Veteran BBC Radio 2 and Greatest Hits Radio presenter Paul Gambaccini has revealed he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in early 2025. In a statement, the 77-year-old 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.”
Statement from Paul Gambaccini
“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
Since his diagnosis, Paul and his husband Christopher Sherwood have been receiving support from Alzheimer’s Society. The charity’s CEO, Michelle Dyson CB, 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.”
Understanding Alzheimer's Disease
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, the word 'dementia' describes a set of symptoms that over time can affect memory, problem-solving, language and behaviour. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. For most people, the first signs of Alzheimer’s are problems with their memory, thinking, language or perception.
Gambaccini's Career and Recent Changes
In February, Gambaccini announced he would stop presenting America’s Greatest Hits on GHR that month. The show had roots stretching back five decades to its original launch in 1975 and had been on Greatest Hits Radio’s weekend schedule since 2020. At the time, Gambaccini said: “It’s been a great pleasure hosting America’s Greatest Hits for so long. I now look forward to a new challenge.” Although America’s Greatest Hits ended, Paul remained a regular presence on the network through its documentary strand, Greatest Hits Radio Superstars, which explores the work of artists and producers with lasting cultural influence. He also hosts shows on Greatest Hits Radio 60s.
Comparisons with Jon Snow
Last month, Channel 4 screened a film called Jon Snow: A Last Big Story about the Channel 4 newsreader who also has Alzheimer’s disease. Snow said: “I don't think I am scared actually. You know, there's so many different degrees of condition, and it's difficult to know where you are in that journey. For myself, I don't believe I am particularly far on in the journey, there's no point allowing it to fossilize what you're doing. You've got to go on, and that's what I'm trying to do.”
