Monty Python star John Cleese has confirmed that a controversial scene from the Life of Brian film, which mocks trans women, will remain in a new stage adaptation.

Cleese rose to prominence in the 1970s as part of the renowned Python sketch team, starring in hit spin-off films The Holy Grail (1975) and Life of Brian (1979), and the British sitcom Fawlty Towers, before appearing in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

In recent years, Cleese has waded into the trans rights debate by defending author JK Rowling’s heavily criticised comments, and railing against “cancel culture”.

Now, the comedian is doubling down on his views with plans to mount an ad