Broadcaster Paul Gambaccini reveals Alzheimer's disease diagnosis

Longtime radio and television presenter Paul Gambaccini has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The 77-year-old broadcaster, a BBC regular since the 1970s with one of the most recognizable voices on British radio, released a statement revealing the diagnosis he received in 2025.

Quoting Freddie Mercury, he said: "You can't turn back the clock, you can't turn back the tide. Ain't that a shame." Gambaccini acknowledged it's a serious condition with an uncertain future, but for now life continues as normal and he keeps broadcasting.

The American-British DJ expressed gratitude for the kindness already shown. Since his diagnosis, he has been supported by the Alzheimer's Society. Gambaccini said he would be as open as possible as things progress and asked for space to continue broadcasting the music he loves to listeners he loves even more.

He is still on air, presenting "The Paul Gambaccini Collection" on BBC Radio 2 every Sunday and hosting shows on Greatest Hits Radio.

Michelle Dyson, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, said Gambaccini's experience shows there can be life after a dementia diagnosis. She added that receiving a dementia diagnosis can be frightening but can also open the door to treatment and support. The society hopes that by sharing his diagnosis, Gambaccini will encourage others to spot symptoms and seek help.

Gambaccini was caught up in the aftermath of Operation Yewtree, led by the Metropolitan Police after revelations about the paedophile Jimmy Savile. In 2018, he won a payout from the Crown Prosecution Service over an unfounded case regarding historical sexual abuse allegations that were dropped and called "completely fictitious".

He called the BBC the "worst employer of all time" for its treatment of him during the scandal, saying then director general Tony Hall caved in during a media "witch-hunt" after the Savile affair.

Gambaccini once told the Guardian he likes to go tenpin bowling every Sunday to stay active, aiming to score over 150 "because that was Richard Nixon's average". He also visits the gym twice a week, goes to bed by 11.30pm every night, and has a siesta every afternoon since his 20s, attributing the habit to his "Italian blood".

Sometimes known as "The Great Gambo" and "The Professor of Pop", Gambaccini was born in New York and moved to the UK, initially to study at the University of Oxford before establishing himself as a radio presenter. He was inducted into the Radio Academy Hall of Fame in 2005.