Jeremy Paxman reveals he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's

Veteran broadcaster and University Challenge quizmaster Jeremy Paxman has announced he has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and his symptoms are "currently mild".

Mr Paxman, 71, said he is receiving “excellent treatment” and plans to keep “broadcasting and writing” for as long as he can.

In a statement to the PA Media news agency, Mr Paxman said: “I can confirm I have recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. I am receiving excellent treatment and my symptoms are currently mild.

“I plan to continue broadcasting and writing for as long as they’ll have me and have written about my diagnosis in more detail for the June issue of the marvellous Saga Magazine. I will not be making any further comment.”

Currently, an estimated 145,000 people are living with Parkinson’s in the UK. With the population growth and ageing, it is estimated this will grow to 172,000 by 2030.

Parkinson's develops when cells in the brain stop working properly and are lost over time. These brain cells produce a chemical called dopamine. Symptoms start to appear when the brain can’t make enough dopamine to control movement properly.

There are three main symptoms - tremor (shaking), slowness of movement and rigidity (muscle stiffness).

In 2009, Mr Paxman pledged to donate his brain to the Parkinson’s UK Brain Bank, the world's only brain bank solely dedicated to Parkinson's research. It was part of a campaign to persuade more people to become brain donors.

The donation of brain tissue has already led to major advances in the understanding of Parkinson’s and resulted in new treatments being developed and tested.

'With more than 40 symptoms, Parkinson’s is unpredictable and complex'

The interim chief executive for Parkinson’s UK, Shan Nicholas, said: "Parkinson’s is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world. Jeremy choosing to speak publicly about his diagnosis will do so much to raise awareness of this misunderstood condition.

"With more than 40 symptoms, Parkinson’s is unpredictable and complex. We are glad that he has been receiving the right treatment to manage his symptoms. Getting the right support in place is key to helping people to take control of their lives when they are newly diagnosed.

“We would encourage people who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s to speak to their GP or specialist to explore the best options for treatment and managing their Parkinson’s.

"We wish Jeremy all the best."

Mr Paxman was born in Leeds in 1950 and joined the BBC's graduate trainee programme as a journalist in 1972. He started working in local radio and reporting on the Troubles in Belfast.

He moved to London in 1977 and in 1979 presented Panorama. After five years reporting from places such as Beirut, Uganda and Central America, he read the Six O'Clock News for two years, before moving to BBC1's Breakfast.

He became a presenter of Newsnight in 1989 until his resignation in April 2014.

Mr Paxman has also presented University Challenge since 1994, making him the longest-serving quizmaster currently on UK television.

To read about Parkinson's disease, symptoms and early signs, click here