Paul Gambaccini, 77, reveals he’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease as he vows to continue to broadcast his radio shows for as long as he can
Paul Gambaccini announced that he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, while promising to continue broadcasting his radio programs for as long as possible.
The BBC Radio 2 and Greatest Hits Radio presenter, 77, released a statement confirming that he was diagnosed at the beginning of last year.
He explained: ‘As Freddie Mercury once said, you can’t turn back time, you can’t turn back the tide. Isn’t that a shame?
‘I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in early 2025.
‘There is no denying that this is a serious situation with an uncertain future, but for now life continues as normal and I continue to broadcast the Paul Gambaccini Collection on BBC Radio 2 and my programs on Greatest Hits Radio between 8pm and 10pm on Sundays.
‘I am grateful for the kindness and support I have received so far. I will be as open as I can as things progress.
‘For now, I hope to be given the space to continue releasing the music I love to listeners who love it even more. ‘These are the days of our lives.’
Paul Gambaccini, 77, announced that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease as he vowed to continue his radio appearances as much as possible (pictured in January 2025)
Paul and her husband Christopher Sherwood have since received support from the Alzheimer’s Association.
Michelle Dyson CB, chief executive of the charity, said: ‘Paul’s experience shows there can be life after a dementia diagnosis; fans will be delighted with his decision to continue hosting his shows.
‘Receiving a diagnosis of dementia can be scary, but it can also open the door to getting treatment and support.
‘We hope that by sharing Paul’s diagnosis he will encourage others to spot symptoms and reach out if they are worried about themselves or a loved one.
‘The earlier someone is diagnosed, the better the chance they have of being able to continue doing the things they love and live independently for longer and plan for the future.’
The American-British star began his career with his first stint on Radio 1 in 1974, at the age of 24.
Paul said he would be happy to see the BBC go in 2022 because it was not on his side during the false sex allegations.
The BBC Radio 2 and Greatest Hits Radio presenter released a statement confirming he was diagnosed early last year
Paul and husband Christopher Sherwood have since received support from the Alzheimer’s Society (pictured together in 2019)
Paul was arrested and his London home was raided as part of Operation Yewtree in November 2013.
She was falsely accused of sexual abuse by two men in the late 70s and early 80s and was sentenced to 11 months on police bail, and made video diaries to show how unhappy she was.
Paul had hoped to continue working for the BBC at the time of his arrest but told the Telegraph he felt the broadcaster was not on his side.
He added that he thought they made a decision based on ‘public relations’ rather than investigating the accusations.
