Paul Gambaccini reveals devastating Alzheimer's diagnosis
The veteran broadcaster has announced he is living with Alzheimer’s disease and says he plans to continue presenting his radio programmes while receiving support from the Alzheimer’s Society.
Paul Gambaccini has revealed he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease last year.
Saying he intends to continue broadcasting while asking for the space to keep presenting “the music I love to the listeners I love even more”, the 77-year-old announced the diagnosis in a statement issued on Friday (10.07.26), confirming he learned he had Alzheimer’s in early 2025.
The veteran broadcaster – known for decades on BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 2 and, more recently, Greatest Hits Radio – said he will continue hosting The Paul Gambaccini Collection on BBC Radio 2 on Sunday evenings alongside his programmes for Greatest Hits Radio.
His announcement comes weeks after Channel 4 aired Jon Snow: A Last Big Story, in which veteran broadcaster Jon Snow also spoke publicly about living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Paul 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.”
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.”
Paul said he and his husband, Christopher Sherwood, have been receiving support from Alzheimer’s Society since the diagnosis.
Michelle Dyson, chief executive of 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.
“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.”
According to Alzheimer’s Society, dementia is the name for a group of symptoms that can affect memory, language, problem-solving and behaviour.
The charity says Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of the condition, with early symptoms often involving problems with memory, thinking, language or perception.
The announcement follows changes to Paul’s broadcasting schedule earlier this year.
In February, he confirmed he was stepping down from presenting America’s Greatest Hits on Greatest Hits Radio after decades associated with the programme, whose history stretches back to its original launch in 1975.
At the time, Paul said: “It’s been a great pleasure hosting America’s Greatest Hits for so long. I now look forward to a new challenge.”
Although he left that programme, Paul continued presenting documentaries for the station through Greatest Hits Radio Superstars, examining the careers of influential artists and producers, while also hosting programmes on Greatest Hits Radio 60s.
Last month’s Channel 4 documentary saw Jon discuss his own diagnosis.
Jon 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 fossilise what you’re doing. You've got to go on, and that's what I’m trying to do.”
