Bill Bailey: A Comic’s Journey with Animals

Bill Bailey, the beloved comedian and 2020 winner of ‘Strictly Come Dancing‘, is known for his unique blend of humor and affection for the animal kingdom. Bailey’s latest memoir, ‘My Animals and Other Animals,’ offers an intimate glimpse into his life with a varied menagerie, comparing his experiences to the whimsical adventures penned by Gerald Durrell.

The comedian, whose journey on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ captivated audiences, recounts anecdotes that reveal a lifelong passion for animals. Readers may be surprised to learn about Bailey’s unusual post-rehearsal routine during the show: a relaxing soak in his garden pond, enjoyed by his koi carp as “they gave me toes a good suck,” Bailey humorously recalls.

Bailey’s memoir is as tangential as his comedic style, but it maintains a chronological narrative from childhood memories of caravan holidays, through his stand-up career, to his wildlife documentary encounters. It begins with a beach-side encounter with a red setter at the age of five, showcasing early signs of his familial eccentricity. Bailey credits his mother for instilling in him a love for nature through visits to wildlife reserves and wetland centers.

“Being around dogs teaches you all manner of lessons,” writes Bailey, who grew up with a West Highland Terrier named Tinker. His love for animals extends to cats, parrots, and a host of other creatures. Friends aware of Bailey’s fondness for animals often bring waifs and strays to his home, much to the delight of his equally animal-loving wife, Kristin.

Over the years, the Bailey household has sheltered various creatures, from giant African land snails to chameleons humorously named Posh and Becks. Among his more peculiar pets, the Malay rooster named Kid Creole garnered mention for his “ninja-style” attacks on Bailey’s legs, requiring the comedian to protect himself with dustbin lids.

Bailey’s fondness for wildlife extends beyond domestic animals. During the filming of the 2009 wildlife documentary ‘Last Chance to See‘, in Brazil, Bailey recounted a frighteningly close encounter with a semi-wild jaguar, which fortunately had retracted its claws.

His memoir also details a remarkable interaction: diving off Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Bailey communicated with a pod of dwarf minke whales through a mutual rendition of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony in the water.

Bailey’s prowess on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ alongside professional partner Oti Mabuse has solidified his standing as a household name. The competition, which he described as ‘surreal’, enabled him to prove himself as more than a comedic entertainer, despite initial assumptions of ‘dad dancing’. Under strict COVID-19 protocols, Bailey focused on rehearsals, rarely indulging in the social aspects of the TV show.

A polymath, Bailey balances his comedic career with musical talent and a profound love for nature, which is evident in his new book. ‘My Animals and Other Animals’, priced at £25, is published by Quercus, and Thoughtifier, his latest stand-up show, will take place at London’s Theatre Royal Haymarket from December 28 to January 19.