Matt Lucas has revealed publicly for the first time that he is autistic, saying the diagnosis helps explain why he values periods of solitude away from his busy professional life.
The 52-year-old comedian and actor made the disclosure during a conversation with Romesh Ranganathan on BBC Radio 2, telling listeners: “I’ve never, ever spoken about this publicly, but I’m autistic.” ([instyle.gr](https://www.instyle.gr/celebrity/celebrity-news/matt-lucas-apokalypse-ti-diagnosi-me-aftismo-i-p/2/?utm_source=openai))
Lucas said he enjoyed being sociable while working in the theatre, but also needed time alone to write and recharge.
“I enjoy periods of being very sociable, like you are in the theatre, and then I also enjoy those periods of solitude where I can just write on my own,” he said. ([instyle.gr](https://www.instyle.gr/celebrity/celebrity-news/matt-lucas-apokalypse-ti-diagnosi-me-aftismo-i-p/2/?utm_source=openai))
Asked whether he needed time to recover between the two states, Lucas agreed, explaining that theatre work typically involved six days a week. On his day off, he said, he liked not seeing people and wanted to give them “a break from me”, as well as allowing himself time to rest and recharge. ([instyle.gr](https://www.instyle.gr/celebrity/celebrity-news/matt-lucas-apokalypse-ti-diagnosi-me-aftismo-i-p/2/?utm_source=openai))
The disclosure comes as Lucas appears in the latest series of Channel 4’s Taskmaster, alongside Chloe Petts, Isy Suttie, Nina Conti and Richard Ayoade. The broadcaster’s press material describes the series as the 22nd instalment of the comedy competition. ([channel4.com](https://www.channel4.com/press/news/taskmaster-announces-series-22-line?utm_source=openai))
Lucas is also due to play Fagin in a six-week West End engagement of Oliver!, taking over the role from Simon Lipkin from September 22. ([playbill.com](https://playbill.com/article/matt-lucas-will-temporarily-replace-simon-lipkin-in-londons-oliver?utm_source=openai))
