Paul Gambaccini reveals Alzheimer's diagnosis, pledges to continue BBC Radio 2 and Greatest Hits Radio shows
Paul Gambaccini, the veteran BBC Radio 2 and Greatest Hits Radio presenter, has announced he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in early 2025. The 77-year-old said he intends to keep broadcasting his weekly music show, adding that 'life goes on as normal' for now.
Diagnosis revealed
Paul Gambaccini, the 77-year-old presenter of BBC Radio 2 and Greatest Hits Radio, has announced he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in early 2025. He shared the news in a statement on 10 July 2026, saying he intends to continue broadcasting his weekly music show. Gambaccini quoted Freddie Mercury: "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.
- Diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease
- Publicly announces diagnosis and vows to continue broadcasting
Radio 2 support
Head of Radio 2 Helen Thomas expressed the station's backing for Gambaccini. She said the team sends love and best wishes, and will continue to support his "beautifully crafted weekly music show". Gambaccini's Sunday evening programme, The Paul Gambaccini Collection, will remain on air.
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.
HIV advocacy legacy
Gambaccini has been a patron of the Terrence Higgins Trust for more than 30 years. Richard Angell, the charity's chief executive, said Gambaccini had been with those affected by HIV "every step of the way" from the 1980s crisis to the current goal of ending new HIV cases in the UK by 2030. Angell predicted Gambaccini would now have a similar impact on public perceptions of Alzheimer's.
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.
Fundraising pioneer
Nick Partridge, chief executive of the trust from 1991 to 2013, recalled Gambaccini's 300 Club initiative, where 300 supporters each donated £1,000. Partridge said the scheme was a "game changer" that secured the charity's financial stability and its place at the forefront of the UK's HIV response.
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.
Continuing to broadcast
Gambaccini said he is grateful for the kindness and support he has already received, and will be as open as possible as his condition progresses. He asked for space to keep broadcasting the music he loves. His husband, Christopher Sherwood, was mentioned by the Terrence Higgins Trust community in their well-wishes.
