Former ITV News anchor Alastair Stewart, a familiar and trusted face in British broadcasting for over three decades, has bravely shared a deeply personal update about his life following a diagnosis of vascular dementia. At 72 years old, Stewart continues to display the clarity, candor, and resilience that made him such a respected figure in journalism, even as he faces the challenges of a progressive cognitive condition.
Stewart first noticed changes in his mental sharpness when small inconsistencies began disrupting his professional routine. He recalled moments of arriving far too early for work and making avoidable errors in judgement—subtle signs that something wasn’t quite right. Over time, these moments accumulated, prompting both concern and introspection.
“There was a general sense of discombobulation,” he shared in a recent interview with The Times. More concerning, however, was his growing struggle with everyday tasks that once came effortlessly. “It’s very demeaning that I can’t even do up my bloody shoelaces anymore,” Stewart admitted candidly. Alongside this, he finds it difficult to use a traditional analogue clock or fasten his belt—tasks so routine they are often taken for granted.
One of the more troubling aspects of his condition, he says, is short-term memory loss. Beyond the inconvenience, it presents real risks. Stewart confessed that managing simple online tasks like changing passwords has become extremely difficult, a challenge that leaves him vulnerable to online scams or confusion.
His wife, Sally, who also comes from a background in television, has become an essential source of support. The two met while working at Southern Television, and now, in this chapter of life, their bond has grown even deeper. Sally reflects on the things Stewart misses most: the pulse of breaking news, the thrill of live broadcasting, and the endless array of remarkable individuals he encountered throughout his career.
“He gets very frustrated,” she said. “When a big story breaks, I can see him following it in every way he can, but there’s very little he can do about it.”
Despite these frustrations, Stewart remains passionate about current events. The fire that fueled his decades in journalism still burns. However, his condition has forced him to step back and reevaluate how he participates in public life. One of the hardest parts, he admitted, was being honest with those around him.
“I was fed up with lying,” he said, referencing the excuses he would make to avoid social gatherings or professional commitments. Choosing to share his diagnosis publicly was both a cathartic and empowering step. It allowed him to stop pretending, and more importantly, it contributed to a broader dialogue about aging, health, and dignity.
Stewart’s diagnosis was the result of a gradual realization and careful observation by those closest to him. His wife was the first to express concern over changes in his time management. Later, his agent noted unusual patterns in his email communication. Eventually, even his colleagues at GB News voiced their observations. Medical professionals used the “clock test,” a standard diagnostic tool to assess cognitive decline, to formally diagnose him with vascular dementia.
Now living in Hampshire with Sally and their beloved rescue animals, Stewart is adjusting to his new reality with grace. Their countryside home provides tranquility and comfort as he navigates life at a slower pace. Though broadcasting is behind him, his influence and legacy remain ever-present.
Through his story, Alastair Stewart continues to inform and inspire. In opening up about his condition, he shines a light on the realities of dementia—not with fear or shame, but with honesty and courage. His willingness to speak out offers comfort to others going through similar experiences, and it challenges lingering stigmas around cognitive health.
Alastair Stewart’s journey serves as a poignant reminder: even as the mind falters, the human spirit can remain unshaken. Surrounded by love, supported by those who care, and anchored in a legacy of integrity, Stewart faces each new day with the same authenticity that made him one of Britain’s most esteemed broadcasters. His story is not only one of loss, but of resilience, vulnerability, and the enduring strength of character.