BBC Radio 2 DJ Paul Gambaccini has revealed that he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in early 2025. The 76-year-old broadcaster, who also hosts shows on Greatest Hits Radio, shared the news in a public statement, prompting an outpouring of support from his network and listeners.
Gambaccini's Statement and Commitment to Broadcasting
Gambaccini, known as “The Great Gambo” and “The Professor of Pop”, 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." He acknowledged the seriousness of the condition but emphasized that his life continues as normal for now. "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."
Gambaccini added: "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 BBC Radio 2 and Alzheimer's Society
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, released 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."
Since his diagnosis, Gambaccini and his husband Christopher Sherwood have been receiving support from the Alzheimer’s Society. 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."
Gambaccini's Illustrious Career
New York-born Paul Gambaccini has had a distinguished career in British broadcasting, presenting 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. In 2005, he was inducted into the Radio Academy Hall of Fame.
