'Brave' Tony Christie comforted by Kate Garraway as he shares dementia update

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Good Morning Britain's Kate Garraway branded Tony Christie "brave" as the singer discussed his health struggles on the show.The 81-year-old singer, who had previously disclosed his dementia diagnosis to his followers, joined Kate and her colleague Ed Balls on Tuesday's GMB to chat about his forthcoming tour.Kate commended Tony for his openness about his condition, saying: "Not many people will know about this but you received a dementia diagnosis three years ago.

It's a challenge for anyone and it's very brave that you talk about it. How is it affecting you at the moment?"Tony spoke candidly about how he copes, explaining: "I just ignore it and obviously when singing I have to use autocue to help me otherwise I'll make a mess of the song and it's the audience that will lose."When Kate inquired, "So does the music help you? " Tony responded: "Oh music, definitely.

When I was diagnosed the doctor said I was very lucky that I'm in the music industry because music is one of the things that helps dementia people so I'm very fortunate."Ed also shared a personal connection, revealing: "My mum has had dementia for a long time for 20 years and even when she got to the point where it was hard for her to remember but when you started to sing all the words would come back to her and she'll sing along to all her favourite songs."“You don’t forget music,” Tony admitted. “You can forget people's names but as soon as music starts you are back and it’s just in your memory and you never forget it.”Addressing the reaction he gets from fans now, he said: “It’s absolutely unbelievable.

When I look down at the audience and I see kids singing along with me I just think ‘How do you know this’.”Ed asked: “What is your showstopper, what is the