Veteran BBC broadcaster Paul Gambaccini has announced he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in early 2025. The 77-year-old Radio 2 and Greatest Hits Radio host confirmed the news in a public statement, insisting he will not step down from his radio shows and will continue as normal for now.
Gambaccini's Statement on Diagnosis
In his statement, Gambaccini quoted Freddie Mercury: "As Freddie Mercury once sang, you can't turn back the clock, you can't turn back the tide. Ain't that a shame. In early 2025 I was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. There's no denying it's a serious condition with an uncertain future, but for now life goes on as normal and I continue to broadcast The Paul Gambaccini Collection on BBC Radio 2 from 8-10pm on Sundays, and my shows on Greatest Hits Radio."
He added, "I'm grateful for the kindness and support I've already received. I will be as open as I can as things progress. For now, I wish to be given the space to keep on broadcasting the music I love to the listeners I love even more. These are the days of our lives."
Support from Alzheimer's Society
Gambaccini and his husband Christopher Sherwood have been receiving support from the Alzheimer's Society following the diagnosis. Charity chief executive Michelle Dyson commented: "Paul's experience shows that there can be life after a dementia diagnosis – his fans will be delighted at his decision to carry on hosting his shows."
She added: "Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be frightening, but it can also open the door to receiving treatment and support. We hope that by sharing his diagnosis, Paul will encourage others to spot the symptoms and reach out if they are worried about themselves or a loved one. The earlier someone is diagnosed, the better the chances are that they can continue doing the things they love and live independently for longer, and plan for the future."
Career Highlights
Known as "The Great Gambo" and "The Professor of Pop", New York-born Gambaccini has presented regular programmes on BBC Radio 1, 2, 3 and 4. He was a regular contributor to BBC Radio 4's long-running arts programme Kaleidoscope. He has also hosted the Classic FM series Paul Gambaccini's Hall Of Heroes, the Radio 4 music quiz Counterpoint, Pick Of The Pops on BBC Radio 2, America's Greatest Hits on Greatest Hits Radio, and the Paul Gambaccini Collection on Radio 2. He was inducted into the Radio Academy Hall of Fame in 2005.
The Alzheimer's Society offers support to everyone affected by dementia at alzheimers.org.uk and has a support line on 0333 150 3456. A dementia symptoms checklist can be found at alzheimers.org.uk/checklist.
