Chris Kamara admitted he feels ‘embarrassed’ over his slower speech during his new ITV documentary, Chris Kamara: Lost for Words.
The sports presenter, affectionately known as Kammy, 64, opened up about his speech disorder apraxia, which means he has trouble articulating what he wants to say.
The Ninja Warrior UK host first spoke about his condition in March, after fans expressed concern for the presenter when he notably slurred his speech on his weekly show, Soccer Saturday.
Ahead of his diagnosis announcement, Chris left his regular job at Sky Sports after 24 years as a commentator on the broadcaster.
He has since been grappling with his diagnosis, and this deeply personal documentary sees him go through therapy and talk to experts to learn more.
During scenes in the documentary, Chris visited BBC studios to record voiceover clips for The Ninja Warrior alongside co-host Ben Shephard, noting he only presents through pre-recorded media since his diagnosis.
As he sat in a booth taping his commentary, Chris told the ITV cameras: “It doesn’t sound like me, it sounds slow.
“I’m embarrassed by it. When I look at people, I think, are they looking at Chris Kamara or are they feeling sorry for Chris Kamara after his recent diagnosis?
“I just wish I could be able to do it like the old Kammy could.”
ITV viewers were left devastated by the scenes, as they took to Twitter to praise the presenter for opening up about his rare condition.
One wrote: “Oh my god this is heartbreaking,” as another wrote: “Powerful viewing, what a brave legend.”
A third added: “Example of how fast your life can change for better or worse in the blink of an eye. Forever grateful for life and good health, always.”
“Very upsetting and touching seeing Kammy like this. I had no idea. Hope and prayers and strength to him,” another wrote.
Another concluded: “We take so much for granted. Touching to see Kammy opening up about his condition. Wishing him well on his road to hopeful recovery.”
Ahead of the documentary, the football presenter appeared on This Morning alongside close friend Ben to speak about the speech disorder.
Chris explained: "[I was diagnosed] in 2019 but I told no one, you know when something isn't quite right. I knew if I spoke in long sentences, I couldn't get the words out. I thought I'm going to wake up one day and it'll all be gone.”
He added: "We take for granted when we speak, it’s natural but the message from [my] brain somehow gets confused and the words come out wrong, or they come out slow… or they don’t come out at all.
“I continued doing programmes and all of a sudden, people are tweeting me or asking my friends, ‘Is he OK? Is something wrong with him? Is he drunk? He’s slurring his words, he sounds slow’.”
