Chris Kamara to open up on speech condition in ITV documentary

Chris Kamara is set to open up on the speech condition that he has recently been diagnosed with in an emotional ITV documentary made by his friend and co-star Ben Shephard.

Football pundit Kamara was well known for his distinctive commentary and style of speech, but he recently discovered that he had developed apraxia of speech (AOS), a condition which makes it difficult to pronounce words correctly and consistently.

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After his initial diagnosis, Kamara – who co-hosts Ninja Warrior UK with the documentary's producer and Good Morning Britain star Shephard – vowed to continue with his work commitments, but he admits that he has found it difficult to watch himself on TV and is wondering whether to keep working.

ITV documentary Chris Kamara: Lost for Words will follow his personal journey from denial through diagnosis and to the disciplined way he now manages his therapy.

He will meet others living with AOS and will shine a light on the rare condition that doctors know very little about.

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Kamara said: "This documentary is a very personal one for me. I am really keen to raise awareness about apraxia of speech/dyspraxia. Little is known about it which makes the diagnosis so much harder to navigate.

"Hopefully by sharing my story it will raise awareness and also help people who may also be living with this condition by showing them that there are ways to manage it and to still live a fulfilling life."

Shephard 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."

Chris Kamara: Lost for Words is expected to air later this year on ITV.