The football broadcaster Darrell Currie has revealed he is suffering from a “chronic pain condition” that has forced him to take time off from his television duties.
Currie, 40, who presents Scottish Premiership coverage on BT Sport, announced he was struggling with his health in October after two weeks away from the screen, saying he was seeing doctors without divulging details.
He released a statement on social media yesterday on the challenges he had been facing, which has been viewed more than a million times.
“Happy new year to you all,” he wrote. “I’m sorry I’ve not been with you on live TV recently. I have been dealing with a chronic pain condition which has brought challenges to my life as I feel constantly dizzy, imbalanced and find walking difficult at times.
“I want to express my gratitude for all the support I’ve had in recent months and all the kind messages I’ve been sent have been warmly received.”
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The broadcaster added: “The support from people I work for and with has been incredible. I am truly thankful and I hope to return to live TV at some point in 2023.
“My family provides daily motivation and encouragement. They constantly remind me that giving up is not an option.”
Currie, who was born in Glasgow, also covers international football as well as English Premier League and Champions League matches. He was educated at the independent High School of Glasgow before studying economics and business at the University of Manchester.
Currie, who previously worked for BBC Scotland, Radio Clyde and CNN International, has received messages of support since he spoke publicly about his experience with ill health.
Chris Sutton, the football pundit and former Celtic, Blackburn, Norwich and England player, said: “Stay strong Darrell. You’re a brilliant broadcaster. We all miss working with you as we used to and want you back. Keep fighting.”
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Currie’s fellow BT commentator Ian Darke added: “Darrell, you are so brave. Hoping beyond hope that everything will turn out well, and soon.”
Jake Humphrey, another colleague, wrote: “Sending love, best wishes and strength to one of the kindest and nicest there is. We are missing Darrell at BT Sport and can’t wait to welcome him back when he is able. Hang in there buddy.”
In 2020 Currie spoke of how he fell out with Gordon Strachan, the former Aberdeen, Manchester United and Scotland player. Strachan had become technical director for Dundee FC, where he started his career in 1974.
“It came down to the way I was asking questions and what Gordon wanted to answer and what he didn’t,” Currie recalled. “My job as the presenter was to ask the right questions and if he didn’t want to answer them, I was going to ask them anyway.
“We fell out and made up within hours. It was before a show and we were friends by the time we were on air.
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“We have had our disagreements about that but I now get on great with Gordon.”
