A BBC SCOTLAND presenter has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, she revealed in a statement.
Janice Forsyth, award-winning former host of The Afternoon Show, said in a statement that receiving her diagnosis in 2022 was a “huge blow” but that it offered “relief”.
The presenter's statement suggested she would no longer be contributing to BBC Scotland but would keep up her broadcasting work in other areas.
Forsyth explained the origin of her diagnosis, saying that she had been feeling anxious over finding difficulty in certain tasks including navigation, and had just hoped it was exhaustion from many years as a broadcaster.
She described the diagnosis as a huge blow, but added: "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."
In the statement, Forsyth said: “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!"
She went on to reveal that she will be able to continue her other ventures, including continued contributions to The Big Light, a podcast production company founded five years ago. “The company is going from strength to strength, and we're excited for more to come. I’m not done yet!”
She also paid tribute to her friends and family for their support and the staff at NHS Scotland for their post diagnosis care.
Addressing her listeners she said: “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.”
Her statement then concluded with her revealing that she has withdrawn from social media “for reasons of privacy and mental health”.
Louise Thornton, Head of Commissioning for BBC Scotland, said: ‘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."
Forsyth’s “The Afternoon Show” covered the latest in arts, culture and entertainment. She previously presented The Janice Forsyth Show on the station for 18 years before it was cut in July 2012 having had guests such as David Bowie, Billy Connolly and more over the years.
