PERSONAL HEARTACHE
BBC Breakfast’s Nina Warhurst left ‘angry and guilty’ by devastating family diagnosis as fans flood her with support
BBC BREAKFAST's Nina Warhurst has opened up about the devastating impact of her father’s dementia and how it’s left her battling a mix of emotions.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast yesterday, Nina, 42, addressed the immediate impact her father Chris’s degenerative symptoms have had on her and her two sisters, Amy and Mel.
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She said: “He would phone me 10 times a day, saying 'I need you to come round' and then I'd get there and he would say ‘What are you doing here?’
“At that point, it is hard not to be cross and that was the surprising thing, I felt really guilty because I was getting angry with him."
Nina’s interview followed the airing of a short feature she filmed for BBC on dementia and the wider effect it has on family members.
She went into detail about her dad Chris - who was diagnosed with dementia in 2022 - and the special bond she shares with him.
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She also addressed the pressures of caring for a loved one alongside having a young family.
Nina is mum to sons, Digby and Michael, who she shares with husband Ted.
She said: “I was taking it out on him [Chris] and I had two tiny kids at home that I wasn't seeing as much and I wasn't focused at work, there are these ripples that then go through your family as well.”
Dementia is a degenerative condition that affects the brain's ability to function normally and remember.
People living with dementia often lose their memories over time and there is currently no cure.
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Fans were quick to react and sent out their support to Nina.
One Twitter user said: “What an intensely moving piece. Dementia is so cruel. Sending you and your family a big hug. Stay strong.”
Another said: “My heart goes out to Nina and her family, my mam was diagnosed with dementia nearly 3 years ago and I totally relate to everything she said.”
More support came in, as one viewer expressed: “Please never feel guilty. You’re absolutely right about the taking on audiology etc it's so so hard it does take over your life.”
In the film, Nina spoke about the happy times she shared with her dad including their mutual love of football and even reminisced about his friendship with legendary footballer, George Best.
On Instagram last August the presenter shared the positives on her family’s dementia journey, saying: “In some ways he [Chris] taught me to laugh. Properly from the tummy. And to laugh at myself.
"We’re all holding on to those deep-rooted connections for as long as we can. Dementia isn’t the end. It’s the start of a new chapter.”
BBC Breakfast airs daily from 6am on BBC One.
For advice or support on living with dementia, contact Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678 or email [email protected].
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