Graeme Murray Walker, born 10 October 1923  is a semi-retired Formula One motorsport commentator and journalist.

For most of his career he worked for the BBC, but when it lost the contract for F1 coverage to ITV, Walker continued his commentating after the change of broadcaster.

He has a distinctive, enthusiastic commentary style.

Since 1978, British television commentary of the Formula 1 seasons has been used by other broadcasters right around the world, including Australia and Japan.

Alex talks to the TV legend about his life and career….

He was an exponent of the commentator’s curse, noting in an interview that he might say how well a driver was racing or that they would probably win the race, only to have them retire or crash out of the race shortly thereafter, hence his catchphrase “…Unless I’m very much mistaken…” which might lead shortly after to a correction “…And I am very much mistaken…”.

On 9 July 2011, he returned to BBC F1 on BBC Five Live and BBC One as a co-commentator for Free Practice 3, and appeared on the Qualifying show alongside Jake Humphrey, Eddie Jordan, David Coulthard and his former co-commentator Martin Brundle as well as 5live F1 special and occasional commentary on the race on BBC Radio Five Live. He also returned again in 2012.

In May 2013, while on holiday, he had a fall, breaking his pelvis.

During treatment for the fall, Walker was diagnosed with the early stages of lymphatic system cancer.

89-year-old Walker told the BBC “They’ve caught it incredibly early. It’s treatable – the doctors say my condition is mild and I’m very hopeful.”

In June 2013, it was reported that Walker was to receive chemotherapy in the coming months and had cancelled plans to attend the 2013 British Grand Prix at Silverstone. However, on 28 July 2013, Walker revealed that he no longer requires chemotherapy.

Walker now lives near Fordingbridge in Hampshire in the former home of the late Norman Chance Osborne, Managing director of Lombard North Central.

Interview recorded by Alex Belfield for Celebrity Radio 2006

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