Chris Kamara forced to pull out of TV presenter job due to his speech difficulties
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Commentary king Chris Kamara has been forced to pull out of presenting the upcoming UK’s Strongest Man show, due to ongoing issues with his speech.
The 65-year-old was due to present the annual event at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena between the 27th and 29th of May.
However, Kamara took to Twitter to announce that he had stepped back from voicing the show and revealed the heartbreaking reason behind his decision.
He tweeted: “Due to my ongoing speech problems I have reluctantly pulled out of presenting this year’s UK's Strongest Man.
“The show will be in Nottingham this weekend. If you fancy? Please go along - it’s spectacular.”
In March 2022, the pundit revealed that he had developed apraxia of speech (AOS).
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According to the National Institute of Health, this speech sound disorder often renders the suffer unable to speak correctly and consistently.
Furthermore, it affects brain pathways which plan speech movements and thus leads to the slurring of words and incoherent statements being uttered.
“It was only recorded last Friday so yesterday really took me by surprise," Kammy added.
“I can’t respond to everyone, but many thanks to all for the support and messages, which haven’t gone unnoticed - I’m very gratefu."
Following the initial reveal, the Middlesbrough man appeared on Steven Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO podcast.
Speaking to the 30-year-old, Kamara stated that AOS had made him feel like a “fraud”.
However, he has since opened up further to fans and thanked them for all the support following his diagnosis.
In a tweet written last September, the legendary broadcaster said: “It was a pleasure to speak to @SteveBartlettSC Diary of a CEO podcast.
Last year, the former football manager stepped down from broadcasting with Sky after 24 years at the company.
However, he assured fans that it “wasn’t the end” of his commentary career.
In a tweet written last March, he stated: “Thank you so much to everyone for your best wishes.
“Twitter can be a wonderful platform. The response about my Apraxia has been overwhelming.”
He continued: “Unfortunately for you viewers this is not the end of me, but ‘Live TV’ might have to take a back seat at the moment. Thank you”.
At the time of writing, it has not been confirmed who will be taking over presenting duties at the 2023 UK’s Strongest Man show.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Chris Kamara, Football, Sky Sports, Worlds Strongest Man
