Popular BBC presenter quits role after receiving serious health diagnosis

A popular BBC presenter has announced she will be stepping down from her role after receiving a devastating health diagnosis.

BBC radio presenter Janice Forsyth, 65, has revealed she has been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease after being noticeably missing from her weekday afternoon show for some time.

Janice, a BBC Scotland presenter, has spoken out about first experiencing symptoms three years ago, and has since struggled to perform some daily tasks.

In a statement, Janice praised the NHS for the care she has received and said that she recognised that she has been absent "for a while" and how she has now reached the stage of wanting to let people know the reason why.

Explaining that she initially thought she was "simply worn out" by her many years of freelance work, or "exhausted" after the devastating loss of her "dear" mother, she said: "Sadly, I now have a firm diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer's disease.

"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 continued: “On another positive note, I’ve been able to continue to contribute to The Big Light - the podcast production company I founded five years ago with Fiona White. The company is going from strength to strength and we're excited for more to come. I’m not done yet!

“So, finding the cause of my trouble took a while, but I at least now know what’s been happening and am grateful for lovely friends & family, as well as for fine post-diagnosis care from NHS Scotland."

Janice concluded: “Dear Listener - I never took my role lightly and hope I always