Radio and TV broadcaster Paul Gambaccini has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
The 77-year-old, known as "The Great Gambo" and "The Professor of Pop", shared the news in an emotional statement, quoting the late Freddie Mercury.
Mr 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."
Despite the diagnosis, Mr Gambaccini said he will continue to do what he loves for as long as possible.
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 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."
Gambaccini and his husband, Christopher Sherwood, have been receiving support from the Alzheimer’s Society since his diagnosis.
Michelle Dyson, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, 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."
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."
Head of Radio 2, Helen Thomas, said in 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."
What is Alzheimer's? Symptoms to look out for
One in three people born today in the UK will develop Alzheimer's at some point in their lifetime, says the charity.
Someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer's, which is the most common type of dementia, every three minutes in the UK.
The charity explains: "Dementia is a group of symptoms.
"It’s caused by different diseases that damage the brain."
Dementia worsens over time and symptoms include:
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- The need for help with daily tasks
- Problems with language and understanding
- Behavioural changes
The Alzheimer’s Society offers support to everyone affected by dementia via its website and has a support line you can call on 0333 150 3456.
How to reduce your risk of dementia
Born in New York City, Paul has presented programmes across BBC Radio 1, 2, 3, and 4.
He was a regular contributor to BBC Radio 4’s long-running arts programme Kaleidoscope.
Paul 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.
Gambaccini was inducted into the Radio Academy Hall of Fame in 2005.
Have you listened to any of Paul's radio shows? Tell us your favourite in the comments below.
