On Saturday’s instalment of BBC Breakfast, presenters Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty spoke to the former BBC News technology correspondent, Rory Cellan-Jones.

BBC Breakfast: Rory Cellan Jones gives health update

Former BBC News technology correspondent, Rory Cellan-Jones announced back in 2019 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He opted to announce the news to his followers online after viewers had noticed his hand shaking while on air.

After 40 years at the corporation, Rory stepped down from the BBC in 2021. However, on Saturday’s instalment of BBC Breakfast, Rory returned to the programme where he gave an update on his health.

Host Charlie Stayt said: “Lots of people, BBC Breakfast viewers included, have followed your story very closely. You’ve been so open about how things are. I obviously have to ask you how you are now? How you are today?”

Rory replied: “I’m slowing down a bit, I’m more jerky in my movements. Walking is a bit harder. But, I’m doing ok. I’m partly, hugely motivated by this podcast that we’ve got.

Rory Cellan-Jones

Rory Cellan-Jones gave an update on his health during Saturday’s BBC breakfast (Image: BBC)

READ MORE
The Chase’s Jenny Ryan looks worlds away from The Vixen in forgotten BBC stint
BBC The Repair Shop filming update as expert details ‘real problems’

“We’ve got a new episode out today about another bit of drug research into something called Mitochondria,” Rory explained to the BBC presenters there is currently a lot to be interested when it comes to the disease.

He added: “There’s a lot to be hopeful about, but I’m always aware it’s a progressive illness, and the long-term outlook is not great.”

Before speaking to Rory, the BBC presenters explained over 150,000 people live with the disease in the UK, and it’s the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world.

Rory Cellan-Jones

The former BBC star appeared on Saturday’s BBC Breakfast (Image: BBC)

Naga detailed that one 51-year-old man from Bristol, who was diagnosed over 20 years ago, has now been fitted with a new implant that adapts to his brain signals.

This reduces his symptoms and helps to improve his mobility. As a pre-recorded clip of the man appeared on-screen speaking to another BBC correspondent, viewers learnt his symptoms first started in his hands.

Now, John Morgan, has become the first patient in the UK to receive the new treatment for Parkinson’s. Two years ago, a device was fitted into his chest and head, which works similarly to a pacemaker.

 
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

BBC BREAKFAST

John Morgan has become the has become the first patient in the UK to receive the new treatment (Image: BBC)

Sharing his thoughts on the treatment, Rory commented: “It is exciting, I think it’s important to stress that this is an upgrade of an existing operation in deep brain stimulation, which is a fairly major thing to have.

“Having somebody drill into your skull and then effectively put a pacemaker under your chest is quite a thing to think about.”

BBC Breakfast continues weekdays on BBC One from 6am.