Paul Gambaccini has revealed he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease but says he will continue presenting his radio shows for as long as possible.
The veteran broadcaster, who presents programmes on BBC Radio 2 and Greatest Hits Radio, confirmed he received the diagnosis in early last year.
Sharing the news in a personal statement, the 77-year-old quoted Queen’s Freddie Mercury, saying: “As Freddie Mercury once sang, ‘You can’t turn back the clock, you can’t turn back the tide. Ain’t that a shame’.”
Despite acknowledging the seriousness of the condition, Gambaccini said he is determined to continue doing what he loves. He said: “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.”
He also thanked listeners and colleagues for the support he has already received, adding: “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, Gambaccini hopes to continue sharing his passion for music with audiences across both networks. He said: “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.”
BBC Radio 2 offered its support following the announcement, saying it sends “our love and best wishes to Paul” and will continue to support him on his “beautifully crafted weekly music show”.
Greatest Hits Radio Content Director Andy Ashton also praised the presenter for sharing his diagnosis publicly.
He said: “We know our audience will wholeheartedly share his own desire to keep on broadcasting the music he loves to the listeners he loves even more.”
Gambaccini has been a familiar voice on British radio for decades and remains one of the country’s most respected music broadcasters.
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