Matt Lucas, the 52-year-old comedian and actor, has revealed for the first time that he is autistic, a condition he had kept private until now. He made the disclosure during a radio interview with Romesh Ranganathan on BBC Radio 2, where they discussed the challenges of managing a demanding work schedule with periods of personal time. Lucas explained that while he enjoys being around people—especially in the theatre—he also needs time alone to recharge, particularly after long and busy days. Lucas described his experience of needing both social interaction and solitude. He said he often enjoys being sociable, especially in the theatre, but prefers to be alone on his days off, giving others a break from his company. He noted that this balance helps him manage his energy and maintain his well-being. Autism is a lifelong developmental condition that affects how people communicate, interact with others, and experience the world. It exists on a spectrum, meaning that the characteristics and support needs can vary widely among autistic individuals. Lucas shared the news as he prepares to return to the West End, where he will play the role of Fagin in the musical Oliver! for six weeks starting September 22. In a recent appearance on The One Show, he also spoke about growing a beard, explaining that he stopped shaving in preparation for his role. He previously shared that he has alopecia, a condition that caused him to lose his hair at age six after a traumatic car accident. Lucas joked that he had grown his beard "down to my ankles" to stay warm during winter football matches. Autism in adults can present in various ways, including difficulty in social interactions, spending more time alone, trouble interpreting facial expressions or tone of voice, and a preference for routine or repetitive behaviors. Autistic adults may also have intense interests in specific topics, sensory sensitivities, and challenges with education, employment, or mental health. Lucas’s openness about his autism is expected to help raise awareness and encourage others to share their experiences.