Chris Kamara is taking a temporary break from live TV due to a speech disorder.
Chris Kamara is taking a temporary break from live TV due to a speech disorder
The 'Soccer Saturday' reporter is best known nowadays for his live football reports on the Sky Sports show, during which he often belts out his catchphrase "unbelievable, Jeff" to the programme's host Jeff Stelling.
But the former footballer admitted live broadcasting will have to "take a back seat" for now, after he developed neurological disorder apraxia, a motor speech condition that affects brain pathways involved in producing speech.
Chris - who is affectionately known as Kammy - tweeted: "Thank you so much to everyone for your best wishes
"Twitter can be a wonderful platform The response about my Apraxia has been overwhelming
"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 (sic)"
It comes after Kammy - who was diagnosed with Hypothyroidism, also known as Underactive Thyroid disease, in June last year - was inundated with well wishes after he told supporters about the disorder, which is caused by thyroid issues.
The 64-year-old star left his fans concerned for his health following his slurred speech on ‘Soccer Saturday’ last weekend, and he took to Twitter to address supporters directly about their concerns, revealing his slurred speech is caused after he developed apraxia.
He posted: "Just wanted to let a few of you know who tweeted me today that I am ok-ish. Alongside my Thyroid problem I have developed Apraxia of Speech have been working to get my speech back to normal.
"Some days it can be a little slow and some days it's normal. Hopefully I can beat this!"
Jeff tweeted his pal: "You still bring life, energy, fun and understanding to all your reports. We all love you, pal Keep going!”
Kammy - who will be providing commentary on new ITV reality show 'The Games' - admitted he suffered from brain fog and slurred speech for two years before going to get help, because he was in denial.
He previously said in a YouTube video: "Embarrassment, stubbornness, head in the sand. Didn't want to believe what was going on in my body, in my mind.
"Even though people were saying along the way 'he's not his normal self' I would just bat it away and say, 'No, I'm fine.' ”