For decades, dementia has been a condition shrouded in uncertainty and misunderstanding. It is a life-altering condition that affects millions worldwide, including some of the UK’s most famous figures. The syndrome leads to cognitive decline, impacting memory, communication, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. However, as more high-profile individuals step forward with their diagnoses, awareness and advocacy continue to grow.
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Some of the UK’s most beloved celebrities, including Janice Forsyth and Julie Goodyear, have spoken publicly about their battles with the disease, bringing attention to the realities of living with cognitive decline. While their careers have been marked by success and public admiration, their journeys with dementia show a different, deeply personal struggle.
Janice Forsyth reveals her early-onset Dementia diagnosis
In February 2025, BBC Scotland presenter Janice Forsyth announced her early-onset Alzheimer's diagnosis at the age of 65. Initially, Forsyth believed she was experiencing anxiety and exhaustion, but when her symptoms persisted and worsened, she sought medical advice.
According to The Sun, she started noticing the first signs in 2022 as she struggled with directions, forgot names, and experienced mental fatigue. What she thought was stress turned out to be an early indicator of Alzheimer's. In a statement, she revealed:
Sadly, I now have a firm diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
Much as I have loved seeking out and sharing the best of music/literature/theatre/cinema with you, I’m happy now to have the time and freedom to enjoy all of these simply for my own pleasure. Call it living in the moment, and you won’t be far off!
Forsyth, who had been a staple of BBC Scotland’s broadcasting team, was noticeably absent from her weekday afternoon show before confirming her diagnosis. She described receiving the news as a ‘huge blow’ but also admitted to feeling a sense of relief in finally understanding the cause of her struggles. She added:
So, finding the cause of my trouble took a while, but I at least now know what’s been happening and am grateful for lovely friends & family, as well as for fine post-diagnosis care from NHS Scotland.
She has now stepped away from her role on BBC, but Forsyth will remain active in the media industry. She continues to work with her podcast production company, The Big Light, which she co-founded. She has also taken part in Alzheimer’s Scotland’s online dementia café, where she has engaged with others facing similar battles.
Apart from Janice Forsyth, dementia has affected many well-known figures in the UK entertainment industry. While some have chosen to keep their diagnoses private, others have spoken openly about their struggles, helping to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding dementia.
Here are some of the celebrities who have been diagnosed with the condition and how they are coping with their journeys.
Julie Goodyear
Best known as Bet Lynch from Coronation Street, Julie Goodyear was diagnosed with dementia in 2023. Her husband, Scott Brand, described the diagnosis as ‘heartbreaking,’ revealing that Goodyear had suffered from memory loss for some time before the official confirmation.
For decades, Goodyear was a larger-than-life personality, recognised for her leopard print outfits and bold charm. However, her dementia diagnosis has slowly dimmed the vibrant energy that made her a household name.
Scott has taken on the role of her full-time carer, and he often speaks about the profound changes he has witnessed. He shared:
Julie has always been extremely glamorous, going nowhere without her makeup. But now the lipsticks and make-up go unworn, and clothes are no longer of interest, especially the leopard print.
Adding:
I miss the fun-loving wife that Julie had always been – the larger-than-life personality that brightened up everywhere she went and the smile that lit up every room.
Pauline Quirke
Actress Pauline Quirke, famous for Birds of a Feather, was diagnosed with dementia in 2021, though her diagnosis was only made public in 2025. Her husband, Steve Sheen, announced that Quirke had retired from all professional and commercial duties to focus on her health. His statement read:
It is with a heavy heart that I announce my wife Pauline's decision to step back from all professional and commercial duties due to her diagnosis of Dementia in 2021.
Quirke spent decades entertaining audiences with her comic timing and heartwarming performances. Beyond acting, she built a legacy through the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA), which has given thousands of young actors a platform to hone their craft.
Fiona Phillips
Journalist and former GMTV presenter Fiona Phillips revealed her Alzheimer's diagnosis in 2023. The 62-year-old had been struggling with brain fog and anxiety for months before being diagnosed.
For Phillips, dementia has been a cruel family affliction. Her mother, father, and uncle all battled the disease, and she always feared it might be her fate. Despite this, the diagnosis still came as a shock. She admitted, as quoted by BBC:
It's something I might have thought I'd get at 80. But I was still only 61 years old.
The presenter said she felt ‘more angry than anything else’ and added:
My poor mum was crippled with it, then my dad, my grandparents, my uncle. It just keeps coming back for us.
Determined to fight, Phillips has been undergoing clinical trials for an experimental drug that could slow the disease’s progression. Her husband, ITV’s This Morning editor Martin Frizell, has been her rock throughout, administering her daily medication injections. She shared:
Poor Martin, he has been injecting my stomach every day, he has been brilliant. The drugs are brand new and they're expecting a lot from this and so am I.
Alastair Stewart
Veteran broadcaster Alastair Stewart shared his dementia diagnosis in 2024, revealing that a series of minor strokes had led to vascular dementia. He said:
When I became ill, before I had the formal diagnosis of vascular dementia, I decided it was time to step back a bit because that clearly wasn't helping what was wrong with me.
Despite the diagnosis, Stewart remains active, and often writes about experience with dementia for GBNews in a series called Living with Dementia: A Diary by Alastair Stewart. On 5 January, he published an entry about how he spent his holiday season and revealed the one hope he had for the new year. He said:
So onward to 2025 blessed with a great family and army of friends.. so hopefully no further decline. Do look after yourselves - and those who love you.
This article has been created with the help of AI and has been reviewed before publishing.
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Sources used:
The Sun: Top BBC presenter steps down due to Alzheimer’s diagnosis after more than a decade in ‘huge blow’
Sky News: Former Coronation Street star Julie Goodyear diagnosed with dementia
BBC: Actress Pauline Quirke reveals dementia diagnosis
BBC: Fiona Phillips: Presenter reveals she has Alzheimer's at 62
Oh! My Mag: Alastair Stewart revealed his dementia diagnosis on Camilla Tominey's GB News
