Charity Severs Ties with Kaye Adams Podcast Following BBC Controversy
The Alzheimer's Society has terminated its sponsorship of Kaye Adams' podcast, How to be 60 with Kaye Adams, in the wake of allegations regarding her behaviour at BBC Radio Scotland. This decision marks a significant development for the 63-year-old presenter, who was suspended from her BBC role last October.
Sponsorship Withdrawn Amid Ongoing Scrutiny
Alex Hyde-Smith, the charity's chief marketing officer, confirmed the move to The Times, stating: "The society advertises on a range of podcasts to help us reach different audiences with information about dementia. Following recent developments, we have taken the decision to stop advertising on this particular podcast."
This sponsorship withdrawal is particularly poignant given Adams' personal connection to the cause. Her father, Duncan Adams, died from dementia in 2017, making the charity's decision especially noteworthy.
BBC Departure and Allegations
Adams lost her position hosting BBC Radio Scotland's Mornings with Kaye Adams last year after reports emerged that she had been suspended amid allegations of raising her voice at a junior staff member. The BBC has declined to comment on individual cases but confirmed she would not return to her role.
A BBC spokesperson stated: "With regard to the presentation line-up on Mornings With, Kaye Adams will not be returning to this role. In the immediate future Connie McLaughlin will continue to present Mornings With on Mondays to Wednesdays, with Stephen Jardine presenting on Thursdays and Fridays."
Grant Stott, 58, will succeed Adams in her BBC Scotland role, while stand-in presenter Connie McLaughlin continues temporarily. Adams had been with BBC Scotland for 15 years prior to her suspension.
Adams' Response and Personal Struggles
On her podcast at the end of last year, Adams addressed her recent difficulties with characteristic candor. Speaking to co-host Karen MacKenzie, she remarked: "I have to warn you if you're here for the laughs you might be disappointed because we have both had the s****iest weeks ever, albeit for very different reasons."
When asked how she was feeling, Adams responded sarcastically: "Oh, I'm great!" She revealed she had been struggling with sleep since leaving her early morning radio show, noting that her partner Ian Campbell's alarm now wakes her first. "I tell you what I'm finding hard is not sleeping cos I love my sleep and I'm not sleeping so well," she confessed.
Defence from Supporters
A friend reportedly told The Sun that Adams' exit from the BBC "feels like a stitch-up," questioning the timing of the allegations given her long career without previous complaints. The source added: "Her ratings are really good — the highest on BBC Scotland. She’s worked there for 15 years without issue, and at ITV without complaints since 1999."
The friend continued: "Are we to believe she has suddenly become a different person? She’s freelance, so they could have just said, ‘This isn’t working out’. It doesn’t make sense, unless the BBC just wanted her out and didn’t want to be accused of ageism and sexism as it has been in the past."
Continuing Television Career
Despite these professional setbacks, Adams continues her television work, having appeared intermittently on ITV's Loose Women panel since 1999. The Mirror has contacted representatives for Adams, the Alzheimer's Society, and the BBC for further comment.
The loss of the Alzheimer's Society sponsorship represents another challenge for Adams as she navigates this difficult period in her broadcasting career, balancing her personal connection to dementia awareness with the professional consequences of the BBC allegations.
