BBC radio presenter Janice Forsyth has been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, she has announced. The 30-plus year, freelance broadcasting veteran has presented shows on BBC Radio Scotland, Radio Three and Radio Four, as well as setting up a podcasting production firm, the Big Light. The BBC Scotland presenter, who has been noticeably absent from her regular weekday afternoon slot, opened up about first noticing symptoms around three years ago, which have since impacted her ability to carry out everyday activities. Janice expressed gratitude for the NHS care she’s received and acknowledged in a statement that she’s been missing “for a while”, sharing that it’s time to reveal the reason behind her absence. Initially attributing her struggles to being “simply worn out” from years of freelancing or “exhausted” following the loss of her “dear” mother, Patricia, Janice disclosed: “Sadly, I now have a firm diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Much as I have loved seeking out and sharing the best of music/literature/theatre/cinema with you, I’m happy now to have the time and freedom to enjoy all of these simply for my own pleasure. Call it living in the moment, and you won’t be far off!”
The BB star said she had suffered “deep feelings of anxiety” since 2022 and had found some tasks such as navigation “extremely difficult”
(Image: BBC Scotland)
Janice shared her plans to continue with her work at The Big Light, her podcast production company, saying: “On another positive note, I’ve been able to continue to contribute to The Big Light – the podcast production company I founded five years ago with Fiona White. The company is going from strength to strength and we’re excited for more to come. I’m not done yet!” “So, finding the cause of my trouble took a while, but I at least now know what’s been happening and am grateful for lovely friends and family, as well as for fine post-diagnosis care from NHS Scotland.” Janice wrapped up her announcement: “Dear Listener – I never took my role lightly and hope I always gave my best, both for your sake and that of my interviewees. It’s been a blast, and I send a high five to everyone who tuned in on Saturday mornings or on more recent weekday afternoons and heard something interesting. Love, Janice Forsyth”, reports the Mirror. Following her statement, Janice stated she would take a break from social media to maintain her private life. Messages of support poured in for Janice, who has brought countless programmes to life across Radio Scotland, Radio Three, and Radio Four. Louise Thornton, head of commissioning at BBC Scotland, noted: “Janice has been a hugely popular personality on our airwaves for many years. The many production teams she has collaborated with have appreciated her outstanding skill as a presenter on radio and television. “Her warmth, relaxed interviewing style, and peerless knowledge of arts, music, and culture in Scotland and beyond, have made her a firm favourite with audiences over the decades. “Everyone at BBC Scotland wishes Janice all the very best and we’ll be pleased to continue to explore suitable opportunities where we can work together.”
