BBC presenter Rory Cellan-Jones has revealed he is suffering from Parkinson’s.
The channel’s technology correspondent appeared on the BBC news this morning (May 30) to discuss 5G networks.
As he chatted to BBC Breakfast host Charlie Stayt, however, some viewers noticed that his hand was shaking.
Read more: BBC comedy-drama Last Tango In Halifax is getting a four-part series
After the live broadcast, Rory chose to send a message to his Twitter followers revealing he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s – a progressive neurological condition which can cause involuntary shaking of particular parts of the body (also known as tremors), slow movement, and stiff and inflexible muscles.
In a post to his 171,000 fans, he wrote: “A couple of people have noticed my hand shaking in my live 5G broadcast today. So seems a good time to reveal that I’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s.”
He went on to say: “I’m getting good treatment and the symptoms are mild right now – so I’m carrying on as normal. Onwards and upwards!”
A couple of people have noticed my hand shaking in my live 5G broadcast today. So seems a good time to reveal that I’ve recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s. I’m getting good treatment and the symptoms are mild right now – so I’m carrying on as normal. Onwards and upwards!
— Rory Cellan-Jones (@ruskin147) May 30, 2019
Read more: Years And Years viewers spot old Corrie favourite make surprise appearance on BBC show
Twitter users were quick to react to the news and send their best wishes, with one typing: “So sorry to hear Rory – the best of wishes for your treatment.”
Another said: “Sending the very best wishes to a brilliant correspondent. Stay strong, Rory, and good luck with the treatment.”
A third added: “I’m really sorry to hear this, Rory. Thank you for sharing – that can’t be easy. I hope you are getting the best care. All good wishes.”
Julie Dodd, a director at Parkinson’s UK, told the BBC: “Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s can be a scary and isolating time, so it is fantastic to hear that Rory is receiving the treatment he needs and is able to approach his diagnosis with such a positive attitude.
“Parkinson’s will affect one in 37 of us in our lifetime, but it remains a little understood condition.
“While most people associate it with a tremor, there are actually more than 40 symptoms and it affects everyone differently.”
Rory started his BBC career as a researcher on Look North and became the business and economics correspondent in 1990, before starring on The Money Programme between 1990 and 1992.
BBC News hired him as its technology correspondent in 2007.
The journalist – who has been described as the non-geek’s geek – is married to wife Diane Coyle and the couple have two sons together and a beloved pet Collie!
Other high profile Parkinson’s sufferers include Back to the Future actor Michael J Fox, comedian Billy Connelly and the late boxer Muhammad Ali.
What do you think of this story? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!