BBC Radio Scotland’s Janice Forsyth steps down after Alzheimer’s diagnosis

Following an early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, presenter Janice Forsyth is stepping down from the BBC.

Janice has worked for the BBC for more than 30 years, presenting shows on BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio Four and BBC Radio Three.

She is also the co-founder of a podcast production company which was set up five years ago and will continue in the role.

Janice presented the Culture Studio on BBC Radio Scotland, which then became the Janice Forsyth Show and then the Afternoon Show, from 2013 until early 2024.

In a statement, she said the diagnosis had been difficult, explaining that since 2022 she had been finding some tasks such as navigation difficult, and had experienced anxiety.

“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,” she said.

“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.

“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!

“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.”

Louise Thornton, head of commissioning at 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.”