Chris Kamara is performing on Britain Get Singing to show the world he is coping with apraxia

Chris Kamara is going to sing on live TV to prove that he is coping with his apraxia diagnosis.

The retired 65-year-old footballer was diagnosed with the disorder in early 2022 - a condition that affects the body's ability to perform natural motor functions - and was forced him to step away from his job as a presenter and match day reporter on Sky Sports as he struggled to get his words out and would sometimes slur because of the condition.

Now, Chris will join fellow ‘Masked Singer’ stars Russell Watson and Aled Jones for ‘Britain Get Singing’, which will air over the festive period.

The beloved pundit is nervous about performing on the programme, but wants to get on the mic so he can give hope to other people who suffer from the condition.

A source told the Daily Star newspaper: “Kammy gets nervous about doing TV as he still has problems with his speech, but he wanted to do this.

“It’s a chance for him to show that he’s not letting his situation hold him back. It’s a chance for him to inspire others.”

The upcoming talent show will stars from 'Love Island', 'Coronation Street', 'EastEnders', 'The Masked Singer', 'Good Morning Britain' split into five teams and test their vocal skills against each other.

Other names confirmed include Molly Marsh, Davide Sanclimenti, Kate Garraway, Charlotte Hawkins, Alex Beresford, Emma Barton, Heather Peace, Sid Owen, Claire Sweeney, Lisa George and Cherylee Houston among others.

The winning show's team will be declared the 2023 champions. 'Loose Women' were crowned the victors in 2022.

‘Britain Get Singing’ will be hosted by Roman Kemp and the judging panel is comprised of Adam Lambert, will.i.am, Alesha Dixon and Jonathan Ross.

The show also supports ITV's mental health campaign 'Britain Get Talking', with the individual stars taking part sharing their own mental health challenges, and is also supported by Mind and YoungMinds as well as SAMH in Scotland.

Writing in his book ‘Kammy: My Unbelievable Life’, Chris shared how he tried to keep his condition secret from his family - which includes wife Anne and his two sons - and how his speech problems shattered his usually positive mindset.

He wrote: "I worried about where I was going to end up. Would my physical and neurological deterioration just keep going and going? And I worried more about the effect it would have on those around me.

"When finally I did start to share my problems, I began to see that the future might not be so bleak.

"That a world could exist with me in it. Hopefully a me who was better, but nevertheless a version of me who I could live with. It's hard to look back on those dark times. To the outside world I know how irrational those thought patterns must seem.

"But when the walls are closing in it's easy to feel differently. I hope by being honest and talking about it, I can help others see that there is always another way out. There is always hope. You just have to let other people help you see it."