CHRIS Kamara burst into tears as he admitted he was “ashamed” of his speech disorder diagnosis in an emotional Good Britain segment.
The former Sky Sports presenter, 65, was visibly upset and teary-eyed as he spoke about his speech disorder.
5
Chris Kamara broke down in tears live on Good Morning BritainCredit: Pixel8000
5
The legendary expert was comforted by presenter Susanna ReidCredit: Pixel8000
Chris explained how the connections between his brain and his mouth had gone bad and “you can’t say the words”.
Kammy left his role at Sky Sports in 2022 after being diagnosed with an underactive thyroid, which left him with a condition that affected his speech.
He previously explained how he felt like a “fraud” after being diagnosed with apraxia of speech – and like someone else was controlling his voice.
He was visibly emotional on Good Morning Britain on Thursday as he admitted: “I get upset talking about it.
“I was in denial. I was ashamed that I couldn’t speak.”
As tears filled his eyes, GMB presenter Susanna Reid, 52, leaned across the table to take his hand.
He continued: “I didn’t want to be a burden, that’s the thing.
“I’ve taken care of my family for so long and I didn’t want them to be in a position to take care of me.”
She reassured him: “You have nothing to be ashamed of – let me take your hand.”
“You have done so much to inspire people.”
She was referring to Chris’s inspiring documentary about apraxia and his many interviews highlighting the condition.
Susan’s Good Morning Britain co-host Ben Shephard, 48, is a close friend of Chris’ and appeared in his documentary.
Chris rounded off his conversation by thanking Ben for his help and saying he “couldn’t have done it without him” which also made the ITV presenter break down in tears.
As he hugged Chris, Ben said, “Laura, can you tell us the weather or something?
“This is shameful.”
Chris later shared how he realized he was “wrong” to feel ashamed and urged others with the condition not to do the same.
Fans watching at home were just as moved.
One wrote on X: “Don’t think there’s a cuter guy than Chris Kamara, a true national treasure.”
Another expression: “I think @chris_kammy is the first person I’ve seen on the show who doesn’t have a bad word to say about them on Twitter, just unanimous love.”
One then simply said: “Kammy what a legend”, while another added: “What an emotional but inspiring story @chris_kammy, you are an amazing man, loved by so many people. @benshephard also what a legend.”
The fan then concluded: “@chris_kammy on #GMB made me cry. As a parent of a child who has returned SLT and the daughter of someone with apraxia, more needs to be done.
“You are amazing Kammy!! Thank you for raising awareness.”
Chris has previously bravely told how he contemplated suicide after his diagnosis.
He also told how he felt like an “impostor” when he appeared on screen with his condition.
What is apraxia of speech?
CHRIS Kamara has been diagnosed with apraxia of speech – but what is it?
Apraxia of speech is a condition that makes speech difficult, where sufferers know what they want to say, but have trouble communicating the words.
The NHS says the condition can be extremely frustrating for people.
They explained: “Often a person with apraxia will have difficulty with conversational speech. However, they may be good at ‘automatic’ speech tasks such as counting, swearing, repeating rhymes, greetings and goodbyes.
It is usually caused by damage to the left side of the brain, such as a stroke.
The condition does not affect a person’s understanding, and the symptoms of the condition can vary depending on the severity of the disorder.
5
GMB presenter Susanna, 52, held Chris’ hand across the table to reassure himCredit: Pixel8000
5
The Sky Sports presenter was diagnosed back in 2022. Credit: Pixel8000
5
Chris Kamara breaks down in tears as he discusses his apraxia of speech condition on GMBCredit: Pixel8000
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education