Radio and TV broadcaster Paul Gambaccini has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The BBC Radio 2 and Greatest Hits Radio presenter, 77, shared a statement confirming his diagnosis.
He 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.”
Support from Radio 2 and Charities
Head of Radio 2 Helen Thomas said: “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.”
Richard Angell, chief executive of the Terrence Higgins Trust, where Gambaccini has been patron for more than 30 years, said: “Paul Gambaccini has been in our thoughts since we learned of his Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Paul has been with Terrence Higgins Trust and those affected by HIV every step of the way – from the devastation of the 1980s right through today, as we target the end of new HIV cases in the UK by 2030.”
Legacy of Advocacy
Sir Nick Partridge, the trust’s chief executive from 1991-2013, said: “Paul Gambaccini stepped up to the challenge of HIV at a time when so many others turned away. Paul’s high-profile advocacy and fundraising was a vital wake up call for the public about the devastation of the Aids crisis and need for urgent action.”
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.”
Continued Broadcasting Career
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’s 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. Gambaccini 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.
