Alastair Stewart, 71, reveals he has early onset dementia: Britain’s longest-serving newsreader who stepped down from GB News in March, says he is suffering with vascular dementia and has had a series of minor strokes
He revealed battle with the disease in an emotional interview with GB News
Alastair Stewart, Britain’s longest-serving newsreader, has revealed he has been diagnosed with dementia.
The 71-year-old anchor announced his retirement in March after 47 years working as a journalist on local and national television.
In an emotional interview with GB News this morning, he discussed his battle with the disease, saying that ‘motor skills (are) very tricky’ and ‘very short-term memory is tricky’.
He explained that around ‘six to nine months’ ago he began to feel ‘discombobulated’ while performing simple tasks around the house, prompting him to visit the GP.
Scans showed he had suffered a series of strokes and he was then diagnosed with the disease, which he acknowledged is ‘incurable’.
Speaking on GB News this morning, he explained that ‘very short-term memory is tricky’ and that ‘motor skills (are) very tricky’
The broadcasting legend said he is taking various steps to alleviate the effects of the cruel illness, which the NHS says impacts more than 944,000 people in the UK.
He said he has quit smoking and is trying to keep his brain active with dog walks and puzzles.
The most difficult part of his diagnosis, he admitted, has been the impact on his wife Sally, saying it was was heartbreaking to watch her ‘almost reduced to a carer’.
The couple, who live in Hampshire, have been married for 43 years and share four children.
GB News presenter Camilla Tominey revealed that the channel’s new Westminster studio will be named in his honour, bringing the newsreader to tears.
Legendary news presenter Alastair Stewart has revealed he has been diagnosed with dementia
Alastair was at ITV News for over three decades before he joined start-up channel GB News in 2021.
He said in a farewell statement ahead of his retirement: ‘I’m nearly 71 and I still get the most tremendous lift from live television – it’s the best job in the world.’
‘However, the rigours of preparing for two live interview shows a week, and commuting from Hampshire to London for them, are considerable.
‘I want to reduce my commitment while I’m still ahead as an old broadcaster, rather than an ancient one.
He added: ‘Thankfully the timing is mine; I just want to spend more of it with my family, my horses, and the charities that have meant so much to me over the years.’
