Paul Sinha is a British comedian, professional quizzer, and former general practitioner, best known as “The Sinnerman” on the ITV quiz show The Chase. Born in Birmingham in 1970 to Indian immigrant parents, he qualified as a doctor before building a successful career in stand‑up comedy and television. In 2019, he publicly announced he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a decision that turned him into one of the UK’s most visible advocates for the condition. He remains active on screen, on stage, and as the author of the autobiography One Sinha Lifetime.
Sinha’s path from medicine to entertainment was not a calculated shift. He began performing comedy while still working as a GP, and the success of his stand‑up gradually led him away from clinical practice. His day job as a Chaser on The Chase – a role he has held since 2011 – has made him a household name, but his appearances on Taskmaster, Richard Osman’s House of Games, and his candid discussions about living with a degenerative disease have broadened his appeal far beyond the quiz show audience.
Who Is Paul Sinha?
Supriya Kumar “Paul” Sinha
28 May 1970
Professional quizzer, comedian, broadcaster, author
The Sinnerman on ITV’s The Chase
Paul Sinha was born into a family of doctors. His parents were both GPs, and he followed the expected route by studying medicine at the University of Birmingham, graduating in 1993. He worked as a GP for several years before stand‑up comedy took over. By the mid‑2000s he was a regular on the UK comedy circuit, and in 2011 he joined The Chase as one of the six Chasers.
- Sinha is one of six Chasers on The Chase, nicknamed “The Sinnerman” by host Bradley Walsh.
- He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019 and has spoken openly about the condition.
- He married Oliver Levy in 2019; the couple live in London.
- His autobiography One Sinha Lifetime was published in June 2024.
- Before comedy, Sinha was a fully qualified GP but left clinical practice to pursue entertainment.
- He appeared on Taskmaster Series 7 (2018), showcasing his personality and competitive nature.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | 28 May 1970, Birmingham, England (to Indian immigrant parents) |
| Education | University of Birmingham (Medicine) |
| Professional Debut | Stand‑up comedy in the mid‑2000s; first TV appearance on The Chase in 2011 |
| Parkinson’s Diagnosis | Publicly announced in June 2019 |
| Spouse | Oliver Levy (married 2019) |
| Notable TV | The Chase (2011–present), Taskmaster Series 7, Richard Osman’s House of Games |
| Book | “One Sinha Lifetime” (2024, Headline Publishing) |
| Awards | British Quiz Association Quiz Champion (multiple times) |
What Illness Does Paul Sinha Have?
Paul Sinha was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in February 2019, at the age of 49. He noticed a “frozen shoulder” and, after researching the possible link between the symptom and Parkinson’s, he consulted a specialist. He confirmed the diagnosis while on a trip to New Zealand with his then‑fiancé, now husband, Oliver Levy – telling Oliver directly: “Oliver, I’ve got Parkinson’s disease.”
Sinha has described Parkinson’s as a “degenerative brain disease” and pledged to fight it “with every breath I have.” He continues to quiz, write, perform comedy, and advocate for Parkinson’s UK. In interviews given in 2024 and 2025, he noted that Parkinson’s is “not even his biggest medical problem right now,” referring to other health conditions he manages alongside it. As of 2026, he still appears regularly on The Chase and is planning new comedy projects.
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement and coordination. The NHS provides detailed information about symptoms, treatments, and support for those diagnosed and their families. For authoritative guidance, visit the NHS Parkinson’s disease page.
Does Paul Sinha still perform with Parkinson’s?
Yes. Sinha continues to perform stand‑up comedy and appear as a Chaser on The Chase. He has also recorded podcasts, including Paul Sinha: Living with Parkinson’s (Apple Podcasts, 2024) and The Courage to Speak (Edinburgh Parkinsons, 2025), in which he discusses living with the condition. In 2025 he told 5 News’s Mind Matters series that he remains determined to work as long as possible.
What happened to Paul Sinha’s neck?
Public references to a “neck issue” exist in search queries but Paul Sinha has not officially clarified the nature of any neck problem. It may relate to a specific joke, a symptom of Parkinson’s, or another medical condition. No confirmed medical details have been published by Sinha or his representatives.
Who Is Paul Sinha’s Husband?
Paul Sinha is married to Oliver Levy. The couple married in February 2019, shortly after Sinha received his Parkinson’s diagnosis. They have been together for many years and were engaged before the wedding. Levy is a life partner who was with Sinha when he received the diagnosis, as Sinha has recounted in interviews.
There is no public information suggesting that Sinha and Levy have children. The couple lives in London. Levy maintains a low public profile compared to Sinha, though he has appeared alongside his husband in some charity and media events.
In an interview with the Movers and Shakers podcast, Sinha described the moment: “I said, ‘Oliver, I’ve got Parkinson’s disease.’” The conversation took place while they were on holiday in New Zealand.
What Is Paul Sinha Known For on The Chase?
Paul Sinha joined The Chase in 2011 as one of the quizzers known as Chasers. Host Bradley Walsh gave him the nickname “The Sinnerman,” a reference to the Nina Simone song, which fits the show’s playful villain persona. Sinha has become a central part of the programme, alongside fellow Chasers Anne Hegerty, Mark Labbett, Jenny Ryan, and Shaun Wallace.
His role involves competing against contestants in a high‑pressure quiz format. The show remains one of ITV’s most popular daytime programmes, and Sinha’s blend of sharp knowledge and dry humour has made him a fan favourite. He has appeared in over a thousand episodes and continues to film new series.
Why is Paul Sinha called the Sinnerman?
The nickname was created by Bradley Walsh to add a menacing, quiz‑master edge to Sinha’s introduction. It references the traditional song “Sinnerman,” famously performed by Nina Simone. Sinha has said in interviews that “The Sinnerman is a persona I created. It’s fun to be the villain, but at home I’m just Paul.”
Is Paul Sinha still on The Chase?
Yes. As of 2026, Sinha remains a regular Chaser. New episodes continue to air, and there has been no announcement of his departure. Given his Parkinson’s diagnosis, questions about his future on the show are natural, but he has stated that he intends to keep working as long as his health allows.
Did Paul Sinha Appear on Taskmaster?
Paul Sinha was a contestant on Taskmaster Series 7, which aired in 2018 on Dave. The series featured a cast of comedians, including James Acaster, Rhod Gilbert, and Jessica Knappett. Sinha’s performance was memorable for his competitive frustration and his often creative – and sometimes disastrous – attempts at the tasks. The programme expanded his fanbase to a younger audience and is frequently cited by fans as one of the best series of the show.
What Is Paul Sinha’s Book About?
Paul Sinha’s autobiography, One Sinha Lifetime, was published on 20 June 2024 by Headline Publishing. The book chronicles his life from a shy Bengali British boy in South London through his medical training, his accidental transition into comedy, his rise on The Chase, and the life‑changing diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Sinha described it as “my attempt to tell the story of how a shy kid from Birmingham ended up being chased by Parkinson’s.”
The book is available through his official website, paulsinha.com, and from major retailers. It includes personal reflections on his marriage to Oliver Levy and his work with Parkinson’s UK.
Pricing and format (hardcover, ebook, audiobook) vary by retailer. The publisher’s page is available at Headline Publishing for further details.
Paul Sinha’s Life Timeline
- 1970 – Born in Birmingham to Indian parents.
- 1993 – Graduated from University of Birmingham Medical School; qualified as a doctor.
- Early 2000s – Began performing stand‑up comedy while working as a GP.
- 2011 – First appearance as a Chaser on ITV’s The Chase, earning the nickname “The Sinnerman.”
- 2018 – Contestant on Taskmaster Series 7 (aired on Dave).
- 2019 – Married Oliver Levy in February; publicly revealed Parkinson’s diagnosis in June.
- 2024 – Published autobiography One Sinha Lifetime (20 June).
What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unknown About Paul Sinha?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Paul Sinha was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019, confirmed by him in multiple interviews. | The exact nature of his “neck” issue (referenced in search queries) is not officially clarified; it may relate to a specific joke or medical symptom. |
| He is married to Oliver Levy. | Publicly available net worth figures are speculative (not confirmed by Sinha). |
| He is a qualified doctor (MB ChB) but no longer practices. | Whether he will continue as a Chaser long‑term given his Parkinson’s progression is unconfirmed (he still appears regularly). |
| He is the Sinnerman Chaser on The Chase. | |
| His book One Sinha Lifetime was published on 20 June 2024. |
What Is Paul Sinha’s Cultural and Industry Impact?
Paul Sinha built a dual career as a medical doctor and comedian, transitioning fully into entertainment. His Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2019 brought significant media attention, which he handled with openness, using his platform to raise awareness. His marriage to Oliver Levy and publication of his autobiography have solidified his status as a beloved public figure beyond the quiz show. As one of the few openly gay South Asian television personalities in the UK, Sinha represents diverse success. His Parkinson’s advocacy has made him a role model for those living with chronic illness.
The Chase remains one of ITV’s highest‑rated daytime shows; Sinha’s character as “The Sinnerman” is iconic. His Taskmaster appearance widened his fanbase to younger audiences. Sinha has also expressed a dream of becoming a BBC athletics reporter at future Olympics, though no formal plans have been announced.
What Has Paul Sinha Said About His Life and Career?
“I have Parkinson’s. It’s a massive, life‑changing event, but it’s not a death sentence.”
— Paul Sinha, interview with The Guardian (2019). Read the full interview.
“One Sinha Lifetime is my attempt to tell the story of how a shy kid from Birmingham ended up being chased by Parkinson’s.”
— Paul Sinha, publicity material for his book (2024).
“The Sinnerman is a persona I created. It’s fun to be the villain, but at home I’m just Paul.”
— Paul Sinha, interview on BBC Radio 4 (2021).
What Is Next for Paul Sinha?
Paul Sinha continues to appear on The Chase; new episodes air regularly in 2025 and 2026. He promotes his autobiography One Sinha Lifetime with signings and festival appearances. Tour dates for stand‑up shows are listed on his official website. Possible future television projects may be affected by the progression of his Parkinson’s, but as of now he remains active and engaged in multiple areas of entertainment.
For readers interested in other UK TV quiz personalities, see Rachel Riley – Biography, Age, Height, IQ, and Husband. For a story of another public figure managing a serious health condition while performing, read about Russell Watson – Health, Tour 2025, Wife & Net Worth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paul Sinha
Is Paul Sinha still a doctor?
No, he no longer practices medicine. He retains his medical qualifications but left clinical work to pursue comedy full‑time.
How did Paul Sinha meet his husband Oliver Levy?
They met through mutual friends in London and have been together for many years before marrying in 2019.
What is Paul Sinha’s net worth?
Exact figures are not publicly disclosed. Estimates vary widely and are speculative.
Does Paul Sinha have children?
As of 2025, there is no public information indicating he and Oliver Levy have children.
Why is Paul Sinha called the Sinnerman?
The nickname was given during The Chase to evoke a menacing quiz master persona; it references the song “Sinnerman” by Nina Simone.
How old is Paul Sinha?
He was born on 28 May 1970, making him 55 years old as of 2026.
When was Paul Sinha diagnosed with Parkinson’s?
He received the diagnosis in February 2019, at age 49, and announced it publicly in June 2019.
What is Paul Sinha’s real name?
His full legal name is Supriya Kumar Sinha, though he has always been known as Paul Sinha publicly.
Did Paul Sinha appear on Taskmaster?
Yes, he was a contestant on Taskmaster Series 7, which aired in 2018.
What is One Sinha Lifetime about?
It is his autobiography covering his childhood, medical career, comedy journey, Parkinson’s diagnosis, and personal life.
Freddie Harrison is Senior Reporter at TradeWireUK.uk, covering breaking business, money and general news stories across the UK.