Paul Gambaccini, 77, has revealed he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in early 2025. The BBC Radio 2 and Greatest Hits Radio presenter stated that while it is a serious condition with an uncertain future, he intends to continue broadcasting his radio shows for as long as he is able.
"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," Gambaccini said in a statement. "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, who began his career in 1974, has been supported by his husband Christopher Sherwood and the Alzheimer's Society. Michelle Dyson CB, CEO of the Alzheimer's Society, commented on Gambaccini's announcement, stating that his experience demonstrates there can be life after a dementia diagnosis. Dyson added that the charity hopes his openness will encourage others to recognize symptoms and seek help, emphasizing that earlier diagnosis can improve the chances of continuing desired activities and planning for the future.
The American-British star's career includes a period of public difficulty when he was arrested in November 2013 under Operation Yewtree. He was wrongly accused of sexual abuse by two men concerning events in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Gambaccini was on police bail for 11 months, during which he documented his experiences via video diaries. He had previously expressed disappointment with the BBC, suggesting the broadcaster did not support him adequately during the allegations and appeared to prioritize public relations over investigation.