Veteran broadcaster Paul Gambaccini has revealed that he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
The 77-year-old presenter, who currently hosts programmes on BBC Radio 2 and Greatest Hits Radio, received the diagnosis in 2025 but intends to continue broadcasting.
Gambaccini said the condition carried an uncertain future, but added that his life and work were continuing as normal for the time being.
He said he planned to speak openly about his experience as the illness progressed, while asking for the space to continue presenting the music programmes he loves.
Both of the radio stations he works for have expressed their support following the announcement.
BBC Radio 2 sent its love and best wishes to Gambaccini and said it would continue supporting him as he presented his weekly music show.
Andy Ashton, content director at Greatest Hits Radio, praised the broadcaster for publicly sharing his diagnosis and said listeners would support his wish to remain on air.
The Alzheimer’s Society said Gambaccini’s experience demonstrated that people could continue living fulfilling lives following a dementia diagnosis. The charity has been providing support to the presenter and his husband.
Born in New York City, Gambaccini began his broadcasting career in college radio and also worked for Rolling Stone magazine.
He joined BBC Radio 1 in 1973 and went on to present the station’s American chart programme for 18 years.
Often nicknamed “The Great Gambo” and “The Professor of Pop”, he has presented programmes across BBC Radios 1, 2, 3 and 4 during a career spanning more than five decades.
He was also among the original presenters on Classic FM when the station launched in 1992.
His other major programmes have included Pick of the Pops and The Paul Gambaccini Collection on Radio 2, Counterpoint on Radio 4 and America’s Greatest Hits on Greatest Hits Radio.
Gambaccini was inducted into the Radio Academy Hall of Fame in 2005.
In February 2024, he presented Radio 2’s final broadcast from Wogan House before the station moved its remaining programmes to Broadcasting House. The last record he played from the building was The Floral Dance.
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