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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Katie Fitzpatrick

Chris Kamara explains reason for 'slurred speech' on Soccer Saturday after viewers were concerned for his health

Broadcaster Chris Kamara has addressed concerns after Soccer Saturday viewers were left worried for his health.

The Sky Sports star, affectionately known as 'Kammy', was appearing on the weekly show Soccer Saturday when fans messaged to ask if he was okay.

They noticed that the popular pundit appeared to be struggling with his speech and took to Twitter with messages of concern.

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@JimmyCarty65 asked: "Kammy are you ok mate? Noticing you’re not at your best today.

"And I don’t mean that in an offensive way. If you’re struggling mate please get some help or talk to someone."

@Willh1985 said: "Hope Kammy is ok, speech very slurred."

And @fatherofalbert asked: "Is Kammy ok? His speech seems slower and a bit slurred."

Fans were worried about the popular pundit (Daily Mirror/Andy Stenning)

Former Brentford footballer Chris, 64, took to Twitter to explain that he has developed the speech disorder apraxia of speech alongside an existing thyroid condition that he revealed last year.

And he pledged to 'beat' the speech disorder.

He tweeted: "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!"

Well wishers rushed to send messages of support.

Soccer Saturday host Jeff Stelling messaged: "@chris_kammy you still bring life, energy, fun and understanding to all your reportson Soccer Saturday. We all love you pal. Keep going!"

"Sending loads of love to you Chris xxxxxx" said comedian Emily Atack.

And BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker told him: "Stay strong Kammy.

"Wishing you all the best."

Last June Chris Kamara opened up to his son Jack about being diagnosed with Hypothyroidism, also known as Underactive Thyroid Disease, a condition when the thyroid gland doesn't make enough crucial hormones to meet the body's needs.

Chris suffered from brain fog and slurred speech but had kept his health concerns quiet for two years.

He feared he was suffering from the onset of dementia after having had 'good days and bad days.'

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Some days day he couldn't remember anything.

"Brain fog, slurring speech and then other days you're fine," he explained.

He was then recommended for blood tests and that showed he had an underactive thyroid.

Chris, speaking to Jack in a moving video created for Men’s Health Week and shared on YouTube, told how he will now remain on a course of tablets for rest of his life.

"It's my third month on tablets and feel so much better," he said.

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