Veteran broadcaster Paul Gambaccini has revealed that he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, but says he is determined to continue hosting his radio shows for as long as he is able.
The 77-year-old BBC Radio 2 and Greatest Hits Radio presenter confirmed in a heartfelt statement that he received the diagnosis in early 2025.
Reflecting on his situation, Gambaccini quoted Freddie Mercury’s famous lyrics: *”You can’t turn back the clock, you can’t turn back the tide.”* While acknowledging that Alzheimer’s is a serious illness with an uncertain future, he said his daily life has remained largely unchanged.
“For now, life goes on as normal,” he wrote. “I continue to present *The Paul Gambaccini Collection* on BBC Radio 2 every Sunday evening, as well as my shows on Greatest Hits Radio.”
The broadcaster expressed gratitude for the overwhelming kindness and encouragement he has already received, adding that he intends to be as open as possible about his journey as the disease progresses.
“In the meantime, I simply ask for the space to keep sharing the music I love with the listeners I cherish even more,” he said. “These are the days of our lives.”
Since sharing the news, Gambaccini and his husband, Christopher Sherwood, have been receiving support from the Alzheimer’s Society.
Michelle Dyson CB, Chief Executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, praised Gambaccini’s decision to continue broadcasting, saying his experience demonstrates that life does not end with a dementia diagnosis.
She noted that while receiving such a diagnosis can be frightening, it also enables people to access treatment, guidance, and support. Dyson added that she hopes Gambaccini’s openness will encourage others to recognize potential symptoms and seek medical advice if they are concerned about themselves or a loved one. Early diagnosis, she said, gives people a better chance of maintaining their independence, continuing the activities they enjoy, and planning for the future.
Born in the United States and later becoming one of Britain’s best-known broadcasters, Gambaccini launched his radio career in 1974 when he joined BBC Radio 1 at the age of 24.
In 2022, he made headlines after saying he would be “happy to see the BBC go,” arguing that the corporation failed to support him during the false sexual abuse allegations that overshadowed his career.
Gambaccini was arrested in November 2013 as part of Operation Yewtree, and his London home was searched. He was falsely accused by two men of sexual abuse dating back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, remaining on police bail for 11 months while documenting his emotional ordeal through a series of video diaries.
Although the allegations were ultimately proven to be unfounded, Gambaccini later said he had hoped to continue working for the BBC throughout the investigation. Speaking to *The Telegraph*, he claimed the broadcaster chose to prioritize public relations over standing by him while the accusations were being investigated.
