An image of Jeremy Paxman.
EMBARGOED PICTURE: FOR PUBLICATION FROM TUESDAY 27th September 2022 From Livewire Pictures Limited PAXMAN PUTTING UP WITH PARKINSONS Tuesday 4th October 2022 on ITV Pictured Jeremy Paxman Paxman: Putting Up with Parkinson’s, follows Jeremy Paxman’s story of living with Parkinson’s disease since his formal diagnosis, 18 months ago. For the very first time, Jeremy Paxman allows cameras into his life as he reflects on how Parkinson’s is impacting him. Jeremy speaks to other high-profile people living with Parkinson’s, meets the President of Parkinson’s UK, Jane Asher, attends an English National Ballet therapy dance class - and learns to play bowls. Jeremy meets experts who are at the leading edge of research, including observing a brain dissection. 1 in 37 people in the UK will be diagnosed in their lifetime and Jeremy investigates and busts some of the myths surrounding the illness. (C) Livewire Pictures Limited For further information please contact Peter Gray Mob 07831460662 / [email protected] This photograph is (C) Livewire Pictures Limited and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme PAXMAN PUTTING UP WITH PARKINSONS or ITV. Once made available by the ITV Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the Transmission date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itvpictures.com

English broadcaster Jeremy Paxman has opened up about life with Parkinson’s in a new documentary – and received an influx of support online

How do you adjust to life with Parkinson’s?

This was the question that renowned English broadcaster Jeremy Paxman tackled in a new documentary by the UK television network ITV.

‘Paxman: Putting Up With Parkinson’s’ showed the journalist delving into how the condition has affected him since he shared his diagnosis 18 months ago.

Having recently announced his departure as host from the popular television show ‘University Challenge’, Paxman described how he only discovered he had the condition after a fall landed him in emergency care – and a fan of the show pointed out his symptoms.

“I was in a real mess in A&E, and the doctor said: ‘I think you’ve got Parkinson’s,’” he explained. “It turned out he’d been watching ‘University Challenge’, and he’d noticed my face had acquired what’s known as the ‘Parkinson’s mask’. I wasn’t as effusive and ebullient as normal. I had no idea.”

Describing his experience with the condition since, Paxman said: “I’m not living with it; I’m putting up with it.”

Jeremy Paxman with a balloon.
Paxman tries to improve his physical coordination by bouncing a balloon.

Fans respond to Paxman’s story

Throughout the documentary, Paxman meets with a variety of people connected to the condition – including Joy Milne, who’s been reported to be able to “smell” Parkinson’s, TV game show quizzer Paul Sinha, who discusses his journey with the condition – and Jane Asher, president of the charity Parkinson’s UK.

Paxman meets Joy Milne at Manchester University, UK.

Since its launch, viewers have shared their reactions to the programme on social media. Paul Sinha thanked viewers for their supportive response:

https://twitter.com/paulsinha/status/1577440201890467840

Beccy Oliver, physiotherapist and Parkinson’s specialist, praised the documentary for its focus on the potential benefits of exercise in managing the condition:

And fellow UK presenter and journalist Iain Dale described his emotional response:

Images: courtesy of ITV