Janice Forsyth announces BBC departure after ‘extremely difficult’ Alzheimer’s diagnosis

Janice Forsyth has had an impressive 30-year career with the broadcaster (Picture: BBC Scotland)

BBC radio presenter Janice Forsyth has heartbreakingly revealed she is departing the BBC after being diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s.

The freelance broadcasting veteran, who has presented shows on BBC Radio Scotland, Radio Three, and Radio Four over the past 30 years and set up a podcasting production firm, released a statement on Monday.

Sharing that she had suffered ‘deep feelings of anxiety’ since 2022 and had found some tasks such as navigation ‘extremely difficult’, the 65-year-old said she is partially relieved to now have a ‘firm’ diagnosis.

‘I’d hoped that I was simply worn out by my many years as a freelance broadcaster and perhaps exhausted following the loss of our dear mother, Patricia, the previous Christmas, but sadly, I now have a firm diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease,’ the statement read.

‘It’s been a huge blow, but I’m also feeling some relief that I finally have an explanation for lapses I’d been experiencing, and I’m managing to remain buoyant most of the time.’

While she said she would be withdrawing from social media ‘for now’, Ms Forsyth plans to continue working for the podcasting firm she established with producer Fiona White, positively stating: ‘I’m not done yet.’

‘It’s been a blast’ she told fans in the emotional statement (Picture: Alamy Stock Photo)

In a separate message to listeners, she added: ‘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.’

In response to the statement, Louise Thornton, the head of commissioning at BBC Scotland, said: ‘Janice has been a hugely popular personality on our airwaves for many years.’

What is Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a physical disorder that damages a person’s brain and is the leading cause of dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Society.

Early symptoms can include:

Memory problems Thinking and reasoning difficulties Language problems Changes to how they see and hear things Changes in mood

If you, or someone close to you, is experiencing any of the symptoms above, the Alzheimer’s Society suggests making an appointment with your GP for an assessment.

‘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.’

The presenter has interviewed some huge names during her time, including Billy Connolly (Picture: Neil Rasmus/BFA/Shutterstock) Many of her colleagues and fans have paid tribute to the ‘absolute titan of Scottish broadcasting’ (Picture: Andrew Maccoll/Shutterstock)

‘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.’

Janice’s BBC colleague Grant Stott also spoke out, writing on X: ‘This is just so sad. Janice is an absolute titan of Scottish broadcasting, particularly in the field of culture and the arts. I’m sending her all the love and grand homme hugs.’

Paul English, a journalist and broadcaster, also shared a kind message for his colleague, admitting she is an ‘inspiration to many of us’ and that her ‘importance’ to the Scottish cultural scene is ‘huge’.

‘So many owe her so much. Her legacy is indelible’, he concluded.

Janice will continue working for the podcasting firm she established with producer Fiona (Picture: Femail)

‘Really sad to read this,’ BBC Scotland weather woman Judith Ralston wrote. ‘Janice is a lovely supportive colleague. She’s funny she’s Uber smart and very kind. The world could do with more Janice. Thinking of her and her lad, family and friends. She’s a legend on the Scottish arts scene.’

Meanwhile, fans rushed to social media to share their own messages of support for the presenter and their devastation over her diagnosis.

@Ballageigh wrote: ‘I loved listening to her programmes. Thinking of her and her family.’

‘Janice has been the single most loved and inspirational broadcaster on @BBCRadioScot for several decades and I am so sorry to hear this news,’ @brucerisk added. ‘I’ve often been on Janice’s shows and loved every single minute. She’s a gem. I wish her well and send my love.’

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