Chris Kamara offered to quit 'The Games' after being diagnosed with a speech disorder.
Chris Kamara offered to quit The Games after being diagnosed with a speech disorder
The 'Soccer Saturday' reporter will commentate on the upcoming ITV show - which is being dubbed a "celebrity Olympics" - but he told bosses he would walk away from the show after he developed neurological disorder apraxia, a motor speech condition that affects brain pathways involved in producing speech.
But ITV refused to accept Chris' resignation, and, instead, brought in some help for him in the shape of co-commentator Simon Brotherton.
Chris said: "Thankfully I’m on the mend. I did offer to quit but ITV wouldn’t have it, any way shape or form.
But I’d like to thank them for that. They brought in Simon Brotherton to work alongside me in the commentary box, which will be great.
"Simon and I have known each other for a long time. We did Five Live back in 1998 together, when I first started broadcasting. I know Simon and I know how brilliant he is."
Chris - who is affectionately known as Kammy - has thanked ITV for their support.
He added: "I'd just like to say thanks to ITV and to everyone who has been so supportive. They've been incredible, really."
'The Games' will be co-hosted by Holly Willoughby and Freddie Flintoff, and will feature 12 celebrities - including former 'Coronation Street' star Ryan Thomas, model Christine McGuinness, and The Wanted singer Max George - taking part in numerous sporting challenges.
Kammy and Simon will provide the commentary, and Alex Scott will be on hand with some trackside reporting.
Last weekend, Kammy revealed he will leave Sky Sports at the end of the current football season after 24 years.
He said in a statement: "My long career at Sky Sports has never felt like work. I've spent 24 terrific years at Sky, and leave with the best of memories.
"My time on 'Soccer AM', 'Goals on Sunday' and, of course, on 'Soccer Saturday' with Jeff has been - to coin a phrase - unbelievable.
"I've had the time of my life, and look forward to tuning in every Saturday as a fan."