Chris Kamara talks about having apraxia
Sky Sports icon Chris Kamara is poised for a thrilling comeback to our TV screens, despite grappling with the challenges of speech apraxia.
After a distinguished 24-year tenure presenting on shows like Soccer Saturday and Goals on Sunday, the 65 year old stepped back from his Sky Sports role in 2022 due to the condition affecting his speech.
Now, 'Kammy' is set to team up with his old friend Ben Shephard for an exciting new travel series.
The duo, who struck up a rapport during their time at Sky in 2010, will be hitting the road across the UK in a campervan, echoing the popular format of Gordon, Gino and Fred: Road Trip, which featured culinary stars Gordon Ramsay, Gino D'Acampo, and Fred Sirieix exploring various cities together.
Despite having appeared on The Masked Singer, this new show marks a significant step in Kamara's television career, especially after facing tough times with his health. The beloved sports pundit has shared some positive news about his recovery following treatments in Mexico, reports the Mirror.
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At Iain Dale's All Talk event at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Kamara disclosed: "I've been there twice now. I'm going back for a third time.
"I've got the fluency in my speech. The only thing I haven't got is the speed of old, I know I talk 300 miles an hour before, but I'd like that back if I can. So I'm going back for more treatment.'"
Shephard humorously reflected: "I used to get annoyed at Kammy, and say 'If only you would think before you spoke', and now he's thinking too long. It's about trying to find a balance."
Kamara's health battle affects not only his speech but also his strength and balance, making it a challenge to navigate stairs without a rail.
Speaking on This Morning earlier this year, he expressed a grateful perspective: "That's alright I'm quite happy with that. I can get by, there's always someone worse off than you."
Since receiving his diagnosis, Kamara acknowledged that his positive outlook was not immediate and voiced gratitude for the support that surrounded him.
"I apologised to my family who were 100 percent behind me and they knew what was going on," he admitted.
Internally, however, he struggled with concern about becoming a burden and worst-case scenarios.
He said: "Inside your own head, you worry, you think you're going to be a burden. You think the worst things in the world."
It was through communication and reassurance from others that Kamara found solace.
"Once you get those out of your head the only way you can do that is by talking to people and people reassure you. The reaction I had was amazing, I thank every person out there who seems to get in touch and give support," Chris added.
