PAUL GAMBACCINI REVEALS ALZHEIMER'S DIAGNOSIS

Paul Gambaccini, a broadcaster with a career spanning since the 1970s, has disclosed that he received an Alzheimer's disease diagnosis in 2025. The 77-year-old presenter, who hosts the Paul Gambaccini Collection on BBC Radio 2 every Sunday and presents shows on Greatest Hits Radio, made the announcement through a statement. Gambaccini said that "for now life goes on as normal and I continue to broadcast" and expressed gratitude for support received since his diagnosis. He stated he wished to be given space to continue broadcasting music to his listeners.

Gambaccini quoted Freddie Mercury in his statement, acknowledging that Alzheimer's is "a serious condition with an uncertain future" but noting the absence of certainty about what lies ahead. The Alzheimer's Society has provided support to him since the diagnosis. Michelle Dyson, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, said that Gambaccini's openness about his condition could encourage others to recognise symptoms and seek help for themselves or relatives. Dyson added that a dementia diagnosis, whilst frightening, could open access to treatment and support.

Gambaccini's career has included substantial controversy. In 2018, he received a payout from the Crown Prosecution Service over a case regarding historical sexual abuse allegations that was dropped and described as "completely fictitious". The allegations emerged in the aftermath of Operation Yewtree, a Metropolitan Police investigation following revelations about Jimmy Savile. Gambaccini previously criticised the BBC's handling of the matter, describing it as poor treatment during what he characterised as a media "witch-hunt".