Chris Kamara received the support of Good Morning Britain viewers as he appeared on the programme days after opening up about his health condition.
The football pundit and former footballer, affectionately known as 'Kammy', spoke out over the weekend after fans messaged him to ask if he was okay as he appeared on the weekly show Soccer Saturday.
They noticed that the popular pundit appeared to be struggling with his speech, which sounded slurred, and concerned viewers took to Twitter after noticing he wasn't 'his best'.
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Former Brentford footballer Chris, 64, later explained that he has developed the speech disorder apraxia, alongside an existing thyroid condition that he revealed last year. He pledged to 'beat' the speech disorder.
He tweeted: "Just wanted to let a few of you know who tweeted me today that I am ok ish. Alongside my Thyroid problem I have developed Apraxia of Speech & have been working to get my speech back to normal."
He added: "Some days it can be a little slow and some days it’s normal. Hopefully I can beat this," before he was overwhelmed with support and well wishes.
Apraxia is a neurological disorder characterised by the inability to perform learned (familiar) movements on command, even though the command is understood and there is a willingness to perform the movement. Last June, Chris opened up to his son Jack about being diagnosed with Hypothyroidism, also known as Underactive Thyroid Disease, a condition when the thyroid gland doesn't make enough crucial hormones to meet the body's needs.
The broadcaster has now appeared on Friday's Good Morning Britain to reveal the return of his ITV show Ninja Warrior, which he hosts with GMB host Ben Shephard and This Morning regular Rochelle Humes.
But as he chatted to Ben and Charlotte Hawkins about the upcoming series, the conversation soon turned to Chris' health as Charlotte asked him how he's getting on since his diagnosis and how the public's support has helped him.
"It was incredible, today's a good day, today I think I'm fine, I don't know how I sound but it seems as if I'm okay," Chris replied. "I'm not really sure about how it comes out because if I explain my Apraxia, it's like we take for granted the fact that when we think and coming through our speech, it's comfortable, it's easy, it's natural.
"My Apraxia, when it's bad stops those signals from that brain going to that mouth so it slows it's down. In fact, at times it slurs the words as well. So people are looking and thinking, 'Is he alright? Is he drunk?'"
Speaking about the response, Kammy added: "So when I put out the message after Soccer Saturday, I never in a million years expected that response. But everyone has been so brilliant, so kind. People have got in touch who I haven't spoken to for 30 years to wish me well."
Ben then offered him reassurance and told him: "You sound great this morning mate and you sharing this I know is really important," before Chris continued: "It's difficult Ben because it's neurological problem, we don't know, the experts don't know," Chris continued.
"The brain is such a complex part of you that it's hard to say whether it is the thyroid that's brought this on, will it get better in time? I'm trying to use parts of my brain now that allows me to speak fluently. So I'm with speech therapist and I'm with another therapist who's trying his best, so it's quite incredible really."
Those watching Kammy on the early morning ITV news programme were quick to praise him for his appearance on the show and shedding light on the condition.
@icerowe tweeted: "Thank you @chris_kammy for raising much needed awareness of ‘apraxia of speech’ (or verbal dyspraxia) on @GMB! I was born with it and live with it every day, hardly anyone has heard of it and everyone takes their speech for granted #GMB."
"Massive respect to Chris Kamara man. #GMB," @notrowenaa said.
@sirho2000 wrote: "Good to see @chris_kammy this morning. What a legend, wishing this fella the best #GMB."
"@chris_kammy keep going Kammy! You’re so inspirational you sounded amazing today #GMB #Kammy," @EmOrme told him.
@jpjLFC65 added: "@chris_kammy is a legend! Love watching him on TV and best wishes to him. #GMB."
