Heartbreaking reason TV presenter Craig James has disappeared from screens

TV financial expert Craig James has been a favourite among Aussie viewers, and now he’s revealed the heartbreaking reason they’ve been missing him.

Beloved TV finance expert Craig James has revealed heartbreaking health news that sparked his disappearance from small screens.

The CommSec chief economist has appeared in finance updates from breakfast TV to the evening news for two decades.

But James has now revealed his career was forced to a sudden end after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

CommSec chief economist Craig James has revealed that he is battling Parkinson’s disease. Picture: Supplied.

Parkinson’s is a degenerative disorder of the nervous system that cruelly robs someone of their bodily functions, known for causing shaking, stiffness and difficulty with balance.

The 62-year-old first told his colleagues a month ago, and has since been spending time with his wife and three children.

“I felt that now was the right time to share this (news) more broadly,” he posted to LinkedIn.

“I have remarkable doctors, the love and support of my family – most notably the rock that is my wife Karen – my solid faith in God and the total support of my CommSec family.

“It is difficult to stay ahead of something that is so unpredictable in its progression.

“In terms of exercise, I have embraced powerlifting. The idea being that stronger muscles will assist with mobility.”

James went on to share that he will have to undergo speech therapy as his treatment continues and he battles the disease.

James was in the running for the 2011 Men's Health Magazine ultimate everyday man title. Picture: Supplied.

James has revealed that progress on his treatment has been ‘slow’ so far. Picture: Supplied.

He also shared that his medication is still being “tweaked” and admitted that while the progress has so far been “slow”, his health struggle remains “ongoing”.

“On medication and treatment, my health professionals have provided much appreciated guidance,” he explained. “Medication continues to be tweaked. I have started speech therapy and also have begun programs addressing mental health. Any progress, while pleasing, is slow. Still, I need to be encouraged by my endeavours. The journey is ongoing.”

At the height of his TV career, James would make up to two or three appearances a day onscreen.

Outside of his media career, James has shown a personal interest in athletics and weight training. Back in 2011, he finished among the top six in the Men’s Health Man of the Year competition due to his dedication to keeping fit and healthy.

Originally published as Heartbreaking reason TV presenter Craig James has disappeared from screens