Bill Bailey argues why AI will not replace humans - and what this means for the future of live performances

My wife [Kristin Bailey] and I have an antique bed that we picked up when we were travelling in Indonesia. There’s a tradition of day beds there, and we were most taken with this thing. We have a telly on the wall and we only use it to watch films, or occasionally a show we really like. We arrange ourselves with cushions and everything – viewing is very much an occasion. No snacks allowed – no crumbs in the bed! But we might allow a discreet bowl of peanuts.

What have you been watching while reclining on your day bed recently?

Severance was ingenious, well acted and so darkly funny. I’m a big fan of science fiction, so I loved the adaptation of the Silo books – Rebecca Ferguson’s absolutely brilliant. Andor is my favourite of all the Star Wars spin-offs. It’s visually thrilling and exciting.

In the crime series My Life Is Murder [the series finale is this week], you guest-starred as a courier. How would you murder someone?

Is this a real interview? Am I being screened through my answers? I’m not a violent person. I don’t think I’m capable of doing that. I’d probably do it accidentally. I’m quite clumsy, so maybe I’d be on the top of a cliff or something and swing my arm around and go, “It’s a lovely view over there! Oh… sorry!”

You won Strictly Come Dancing in 2020. Are you still busting moves?

I’ve always loved dancing. If there’s an event where dancing is allowed, I’ve always flung myself into it with reckless abandon, but to know how to do it properly with the steps is just fantastic. It’s not a skill I ever want to lose. I always incorporate it into my show, whether it’s a bit of charleston or a bit of paso doble. Strictly took me out of my comfort zone, but it was a great way to increase my confidence. It was such a joyous thing to do.

I read that you can play 63 musical instruments. Is that number accurate?

Somebody apparently worked it out, but since that random number was plucked from the ether, it keeps expanding. I’ve taught myself the bagpipes and I’m also learning the trombone, the nyckelharpa [a Swedish bowed instrument] and the aerophone, which is like a synthesised clarinet. In my show, I like to play traditional instruments, like the oud and saz, but I also like to use lots of new tech, like an electronic hurdy-gurdy.

What makes you happy?

I love walking. I’ve just been doing a recce of the South Downs Way, which is about 100 miles. I turned 60 this year and my wife asked me what I wanted to do for it, and I said to go for a big walk with a bunch of mates and family, so we’ll have about 30 or 40 people there for this celebration. We’ve booked in a bit of camping along the way, which I love. I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie, too. A few years ago when my son Dax was about 13 or 14, we went skydiving – it was exhilarating!

In your new live show, Thoughtifier, you talk about your belief that AI won’t replace humans. Why?

There is a real sense of it being a threat to certain jobs, like data processing or even film and TV editing, but what AI doesn’t have is a creative spark. I don’t think it will ever replace human imagination – that’s what gives me hope.

What does it mean for the future?

I think live performance will take on another dimension as being something authentic – it will have a greater value as a result. Also, experiencing something collectively is an ancient human need. I went into Abba Voyage sceptical, but it’s brilliant. The music is all played live by a fantastic band, and that’s what gives it warmth and immediacy. It’s like a hybridised live show. That’s what I’m going to do for my next show – I’ll be in my conservatory and there will be some younger, virtual version of me capering about on stage.

The latest issue of Radio Times is out now – subscribe here.

My Life Is Murder airs Tuesdays at 9pm on U&Alibi – catch up on Now.

Bill Bailey's Thoughtifier is at select venues from 22-31 August 2025 – tickets are available now.

Check out more of our Comedy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.