Radio and TV broadcaster Paul Gambaccini has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
The BBC Radio 2 and Greatest Hits Radio presenter, 77, has shared a statement confirming his diagnosis of the disease.
He 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.
“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.”
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.”
Richard Angell, the chief executive of the Terrence Higgins Trust, where Gambaccini has been patron for more than 30 years, said: “Paul Gambaccini has been in our thoughts since we learned of his Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
“Paul has been with Terrence Higgins Trust and those affected by HIV every step of the way – from the devastation of the 1980s right through today, as we target the end of new HIV cases in the UK by 2030.
“He has had a huge personal impact in improving public perceptions of HIV over the last 30 years and I have no doubt that from today he will do the same with Alzheimer’s, including through his brilliant radio show every Sunday night.
“Everyone in our Terrence Higgins Trust community wishes Paul and his husband Christopher Sherwood well.”
Sir Nick Partridge, the trust’s chief executive from 1991-2013, said: “Paul Gambaccini stepped up to the challenge of HIV at a time when so many others turned away.
“Paul’s high-profile advocacy and fundraising was a vital wake up call for the public about the devastation of the Aids crisis and need for urgent action.
“Paul’s 300 Club – where 300 supporters donated £1,000 – was a game changer for Terrence Higgins Trust, securing the charity’s financial stability and place at the forefront of the UK’s HIV response. The legacy of that club and Paul’s actions continue today.”
Since his diagnosis, Gambaccini and his husband Christopher Sherwood have been receiving support from the Alzheimer’s Society.
Charity chief executive Michelle Dyson 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.”
Known as “The Great Gambo” and “The Professor of Pop”, New York-born Gambaccini has presented regular programmes on BBC Radio 1, 2, 3 and 4.
He was a regular contributor to BBC Radio 4’s long-running arts programme Kaleidoscope.
He’s 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.
– The Alzheimer’s Society offers support to everyone affected by dementia at alzheimers.org.uk and has a support line on 0333 150 3456. A dementia symptoms checklist can be found at alzheimers.org.uk/checklist.
