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Paul Gambaccini, a well-known veteran radio presenter, has revealed that he has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. The broadcaster, who works for BBC Radio 2 and Greatest Hits Radio, shared his diagnosis received in 2025 and expressed his determination to carry on with his broadcasting duties. Reflecting on his situation, he quoted Freddie Mercury: “you can’t turn back the clock, you can’t turn back the tide. Ain’t that a shame.” Despite acknowledging the serious nature of Alzheimer’s, Gambaccini emphasized that life continues as usual for the time being.
Gambaccini, aged 77, expressed gratitude for the support and kindness he has received since sharing his diagnosis, adding that he aims to remain as transparent as possible as his condition evolves. He made it clear that he wishes to maintain his role as a music presenter, doing what he loves while giving himself space to adapt to the changes ahead. His shows are highly valued by listeners, and radio stations have voiced their continued encouragement and support. BBC Radio 2 sent their heartfelt wishes to Gambaccini and praised his “beautifully crafted weekly music show,” while Greatest Hits Radio’s content director Andy Ashton commended Gambaccini for his courage in making his condition public and highlighted the shared desire among fans for him to keep broadcasting.
Born in New York City, Gambaccini began his media career hosting college radio and contributing to Rolling Stone magazine. He rose to prominence after joining BBC Radio 1 in 1973, where he presented the US chart show for 18 years. Throughout his career, he became affectionately known as “The Great Gambo” and “The Professor of Pop,” hosting programmes across BBC Radio 1, 2, 3, and 4. Gambaccini was a founding presenter of Classic FM at its launch in 1992 and has also worked on shows such as Counterpoint on Radio 4, America’s Greatest Hits on Greatest Hits Radio, as well as the Paul Gambaccini Collection and Pick of the Pops on Radio 2.
In recognition of his contributions to broadcasting, Gambaccini was inducted into the Radio Academy Hall of Fame in 2005. To celebrate four decades in broadcasting, BBC Radio 4 produced a series in 2013 where Gambaccini and guests, including Sir Elton John, reminisced about some of his favorite interviews. One notable moment came in February 2024, when he presented the last BBC Radio 2 broadcast from Wogan House before the station relocated to London Broadcasting House, ending the show with the track “The Floral Dance.” The Alzheimer’s Society, which has been supporting Gambaccini and his husband, highlighted his experience as an example that life can continue meaningfully after a dementia diagnosis
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