Michael Palin has brutal swipe at Rod Stewart saying ‘strained’ voice is in ‘last stages'

Michael Palin has taken a swipe at Rod Stewart, claiming his voice is "in the last stages of the day".

The 80-year-old appeared on Rob Brydon's podcast Brydon &, and the conversation soon turned to the 78-year-old rock singer.

Rob, 58, told Michael he was two years older than Rod and asked if he feels older or younger than the songwriter.

Michael responded: "I don't feel on a par with Rod Stewart, I would never dream you know, he's an immortal dining with the Gods.

"But I feel Rod Stewart has an image that he is Rod Stewart, just Rod being his wonderful self, which is Rod doing his wonderful songs.

"His sound for the last 30 years which is his voice in the last stages of the day. That's his brilliant thing and he's still doing it. Still straining his voice."

The comedian then decided to do an impersonation of Rod's distinctive rock and roll voice, as Rob began laughing loudly.

However, Michael clarified he was joking and said: "Rod's a lovely man."

The Monty Python star's comments come after opening up about the tragic loss of his wife Helen Gibbs.

Michael's wife tragically passed away earlier this year after suffering kidney failure and chronic pain.

While speaking on the same podcast, he said that after being married for such a long time, he feels like things are "slightly lop-sided" without her.

The pair first met when they were both 16 years old and went on to have three children together, Rachel, Thomas and William.

The television presenter is also now a grandfather to four grandchildren.

Michael went on to share that Helen was very unwell for several years and wasn't able to do much for herself.

He said she was a very independent person and the idea of having to rely on others didn't make her happy.

Michael is one of four surviving members of the British comedy group Monty Python, who are best known for their BBC sketch series and film projects.