Chris Kamara says ‘it wasn’t easy’ to explore his Apraxia of Speech in ITV documentary Lost for Words

Virgin Radio

17 Nov 2022, 08:31

Chris Kamara says his new documentary on his recent diagnosis of Apraxia of Speech was a difficult journey, but a necessary one to raise awareness of the condition. 

ITV1 have confirmed they will air Chris Kamara: Lost for Words, which will take a look into AOS as the sporting icon tries to get a deeper insight into the condition. 

According to the NHS, Apraxia of Speech is a speech disorder in which a person has trouble pronouncing words correctly and consistently. 

Beloved football pundit Chris announced his diagnosis back in March, and while the condition hasn’t slowed him down in his career, having recently hosted Ninja Warrior, he has found accepting his condition and watching himself on TV difficult. 

While on the blue carpet at ITV’s Palooza on Tuesday (15th November), Chris told virginradio.co.uk and other press that the documentary was made by ITV colleague Ben Shephard and his production company, and the shared why his Ninja Warrior co-host was instrumental in going on his speech apraxia journey. 

When asked about his experience making the doc, Kammy said: “It's not been easy, that's for sure. I only did it because Ben Shepherd asked me to do it. My agent had been asked several times by production companies, would you do it? But I feel safe with Ben. So hopefully, once we tell the story, people will appreciate it. 

“We hope to raise awareness of all speech conditions, whether it's children, or adults who have had a stroke. And hopefully, looking at what we've done so far, it'll do that.”

An official synopsis from ITV1 reads: “From his initial denials through to his diagnosis and now to the disciplined way he manages his therapy, the documentary will follow Kammy as he seeks advice from experts and meet others with AOS  who are also navigating their way through this rare condition, all whilst shining a light and starting a conversation about a condition doctors know very little about.”

In an additional statement, Shepherd also added: “This is an important story to tell.  As a close friend and colleague of Kammy’s, I've seen first-hand the challenges that he’s been dealing with since his diagnosis.  

“Kammy has always been a huge role model to so many people and with this programme we hope to shine a light on AOS, to bring more awareness but also provide hope to those who may also be living with Apraxia.  I’m honoured that Kammy has trusted Triple Brew Media to follow his personal journey of living with Apraxia of Speech (AOS).”

While ITV have not confirmed the release date, Kammy told virginradio.co.uk Lost for Words will likely air on 13th December at 9pm on ITV1.