Football fans who adore Chris Kamara, the face of S3pm Saturday kick-offs on Sky for several years, are heartbroken after the former broadcaster marvel admitted he feels "embarrassed" over his slow speech.
Mr Kamara, affectionately known as Kammy, made the admission during his new ITV documentary, titled 'Chris Kamara: Lost for Words' which aired on Wednesday, December 14 at 9pm. In it, Kammy, 64, opened up about his speech disorder Apraxia, which has left im battling to articulate what he wants to say.
Kammy, who hosts Ninja Warrior UK now, came out about his condition in March this year, shortly after fans noticed his speech was slurred as he broadcast his weekly show Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports. Kammy later announced he was stepping away from that role after a staggering 24 years in the job, the Mirror reports.
Read more: Chris Kamara's life from his diagnosis and illness to wife, Yorkshire home and singing prowess
Kamara has been battling his diagnosis since, and the deeply personal documentary chronicles his struggle to get treatment as well as the impact the disorder has had on his mental health and his family, who didn't know about the diagnosis until much later on. During the documentary, Kamara revealed that he now works on pre-recorded shows only.
He said: "I do voice voiceover work now", while he visits BBX studios to record voiceover clips for The Ninja Warrior alongside co-host Ben Shephard. Chris added that he didn't feel like himself, saying: “It doesn’t sound like me, it sounds slow.
“I’m embarrassed by it. When I look at people, I think, are they looking at Chris Kamara or are they feeling sorry for Chris Kamara after his recent diagnosis? I just wish I could be able to do it like the old Kammy could.”
And that acknowledgement has broken viewers hearts who took to Twitter straight after. @NadineH95527536 wrote: "Feeling emotional watching Chris Kamara , he’s so brave sharing his story. Keep going kammy you got this. Also everyone needs a mate like Ben Shepard #lostforwords."
@K_Ro_89 called the documentary touching. He said: "Chris Kamara lost for words, a tough watch seeing what he has been, and is going through. The sparkle is still there though, legend.
Fellow broadcaster @mrgeoffpeters tweeted: "Chris Kamara is the sweetest, most genuine and kind bloke you could ever wish to meet. Keep going Kammy mate. We love you loads #LostForWords."
@plates35, called it heartbreaking, saying: "Just watch Chris kamara :lost for words just heartbreaking to watch but chris kamara he’s got That sparkle remember the tortoise and the hare story slow and steady wins the race and you’re winning already Chris."
@dan1000x, echoed the same, saying: "This Chris kamara documentary is breaking my heart. He will always be a big part of my childhood", while @SeanMoon95 said" "That Chris Kamara documentary is sad, reminds me of soccer Saturdays with me granddad before going down the deva was class."
But the documentary also inspired several people with one user asking King Charles to Knight him. @snodlandmalc said: "Chris Kamara" brilliant programme, so sad that he has this. I have always liked him since I use to watch him play for Brentford.He's not a fraud he's a real hero ! Knight him Charles!"
@DellanorrisOt wrote: "Such an enlightening programme highlighting Chris Kamara’s challenges following his diagnosis of apraxia of speech and his commitment to help young people access SLT input. What an inspiring and thoroughly lovely man."
Before the documentary was aired, Chris appeared on This Morning with his close friend Ben, where he spoke of his condition. He said: "I was diagnosed in 2019 but I told no one, you know when something isn't quite right. I knew if I spoke in long sentences, I couldn't get the words out. I thought I'm going to wake up one day and it'll all be gone.”
He added: "We take for granted when we speak, it’s natural but the message from [my] brain somehow gets confused and the words come out wrong, or they come out slow… or they don’t come out at all.
“I continued doing programmes and all of a sudden, people are tweeting me or asking my friends, ‘Is he OK? Is something wrong with him? Is he drunk? He’s slurring his words, he sounds slow’.”
Read more:
White man applying for West Yorkshire Police is told ‘we’re only hiring women and minorities’
Man, 21, arrested for drink-driving in Leeds as biker, 51, dies after crash
Leeds woman's warning after dog nearly died eating Quality Street at Christmas
Leeds restaurant to feed more than 1,000 people for free on Christmas Day
DWP Cold Weather Payment postcodes for Leeds confirmed as 29 eligible
