Chris Kamara offered to quit upcoming ITV series The Games after his recent health struggles, but was talked around by bosses.
Chris – known affectionately as ‘Kammy’ by his fans – recently confirmed he developed apraxia of speech after fans shared their concerns from watching him on Sky Sports.
He’s since quit his role on Sky Sports after 24 years and was considering walking away from The Games too, which will follow celebrities including the likes of The Wanted’s Max George and Christine McGuinness battling it out in a series of sporting challenges.
‘I did offer to quit, which would have been good news, but ITV wouldn’t have it in any way shape or form,’ he said at the launch of The Games.
‘They said “you’re staying, you’re part of the team” and I’d like to thank them for that.
‘They bought in Simon Brotherton to work alongside me in the commentary box, Simon and I know each other, we did 5 Live back in 1998 together when I first started broadcasting. I am on the mend, which is the great thing.’
Chris assured he was ‘on the mend’ after speaking to medical experts about the condition.
‘So many people came forward when I said I was struggling and they said you can get better and I’ve had professors, people getting involved with me and I am on the mend hopefully in two weeks’ time I’ll be even better and back to my old self.
‘I am in an oxygen tube weekly, I have micro currents going through my body, I am trying absolutely everything to get it sorted and thankfully it is working.’
Freddie Flintoff and Holly Willoughby will be presenting The Games alongside Alex Scott who will also join as commentator.
Top Gear’s Freddie praised Chris for helping him with his own presenting career.
‘He used to do Ninja Warrior and I ended up doing his job on Ninja Warrior in Australia for three or four series and I’m going to admit it Kammy, I just ripped you off. He helped me so much without even knowing it,’ said the former England cricketer.
The Games kicks off Monday May 9 at 9pm on ITV.
Credit: Original article published here.You can read this post on My Celebrity Life.
