BBC radio DJ Paul Gambaccini diagnosed with Alzheimer’s

Veteran radio DJ Paul Gambaccini has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

In a statement, the BBC Radio 2 and Greatest Hits Radio presenter said: “As Freddie Mercury once sang, you can’t turn back the clock, you can’t turn back the tide. Ain’t that a shame”.

“There’s no denying it’s a serious condition with an uncertain future, but for now life goes on as normal.”

Gambaccini, who was given the diagnosis in 2025, said he would continue presenting both programmes.

Radio 2 said it sends “our love and best wishes to Paul”, and added it would continue to support him on his “beautifully crafted weekly music show”.

In his statement, Gambaccini, 77, said he would “be as open as I can as things progress”, and that he was grateful for the kindness and support he had already received.

“For now, I wish to be given the space to keep on broadcasting the music I love to the listeners I love even more. These are the days of our lives,” he said.

Greatest Hits Radio content director Andy Ashton praised Gambaccini for “bravely sharing his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.”

“We know our audience will wholeheartedly share his own desire to keep on broadcasting the music he loves to the listeners he loves even more.”