Prof Hawking, who has motor neurone disease, has argued that keeping someone alive against their own wishes is the "ultimate indignity³", saying he would think about it in the event he was suffering great pain. 

 

In an interview with Dara O'Briain, for a new BBC programme, the world-renowned scientist disclosed he suffered bouts⁴ of loneliness, because people can be afraid to talk to him or let him answer. 

 

In 2013, he offered his public support to the discussion of assisted dying, saying: "We don't let animals suffer, so why humans?"

 

In a programme to be broadcast on BBC One on June 15, Prof Hawking will offer further insights into his own life, alongside interviews with his children. 

 

When asked by O'Briain about his support for assisted dying, and what condition he would have to be in to consider it for himself, the physicist said: "To keep someone alive against their wishes is the ultimate indignity. 

 

"I would consider assisted suicide only if I were in great pain or felt I had nothing more to contribute but was just a burden to those around me." 

 

But, he added: "I am damned if I'm going to die before I have unravelled⁵ more of the universe." 

 

He is not in pain, he said, but suffers occasional discomfort⁶ because he cannot adjust his own position.

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