BBC Radio 2 has released a statement following the announcement by DJ Paul Gambaccini that he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The broadcaster, who also presents on Greatest Hits Radio, confirmed the diagnosis came in early 2025.
Gambaccini's Statement
In a statement, Gambaccini said: “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. 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.”
Radio 2's Response
Head of Radio 2, Helen Thomas, shared a statement: “On behalf of everyone at Radio 2, as well as all of his listeners, we send our love and best wishes to Paul, and continue to support him with his beautifully crafted weekly music show on Sunday evenings.”
Support from Alzheimer's Society
Since his diagnosis, Gambaccini and his husband Christopher Sherwood have been receiving support from the Alzheimer’s Society. Charity chief executive Michelle Dyson said: “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. 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 Paul 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, and America’s Greatest Hits on Greatest Hits Radio, as well as the Paul Gambaccini Collection on Radio 2. Paul was inducted into the Radio Academy Hall of Fame in 2005.
