A number of celebrities have been donating to a fund to support the Love Actually actor, who revealed he has been diagnosed with dementia following multiple strokes
16:04, 07 Mar 2026Updated 16:04, 07 Mar 2026
One of the Love Actually cast is battling a devastating diagnosis(Image: Universal Studios)
A beloved Love Actually star has been compelled to step away from his acting career after being diagnosed with dementia following multiple strokes. The stand-up comedian Junior Simpson, who captured audiences’ hearts as the DJ in the iconic wedding scene of the cherished festive film, now faces this devastating health battle.
In a tragic turn of events, the performer has had to abandon his career after the strokes resulted in a diagnosis of vascular dementia. Close friend Peter Vincent has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist Junior’s wife Emma with living expenses now that the actor is unable to work.
Peter explained: “Hi everyone, Peter Vincent here. I’m setting up this GoFundMe to support our wonderful friend and comedy colleague, Junior Simpson.”
Junior played the DJ in the wedding scene of the festive film
Emma, Junior’s wife, recently contacted Manford’s to share some very difficult news. “Following a series of strokes, Junior has been diagnosed with vascular dementia and has had to retire from performing and writing.”
There will be a fundraising gig in due course, but if there’s one thing the comedy circuit has always done brilliantly, it’s look after its own. “Junior has given so much to this industry over the years. Now it’s our turn to show up for him and his family.”
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If you’re able to contribute, no matter the amount, it will make a real difference. And if you can’t, simply sharing this page will help enormously. “Let’s rally round and do what we do best.”
The appeal has already attracted donations from numerous celebrities. Comedian Adam Hills, broadcaster Richard Osman and The Chase’s Paul Sinha have all pledged their support.
Strictly Come Dancing favourite Chris McCausland and Michael McIntyre have also contributed to the fund. Last year Junior revealed the remarkable story of how he met his wife Emma – a tale that could grace the silver screen.
Their paths first crossed in 2017 with a brief romance that didn’t last. However, fate intervened when they matched on a dating app in 2020 amid the pandemic.
With Junior based in Birmingham and Emma in London, lockdown restrictions meant they only managed a handful of meetings. Yet they spent countless hours on the phone, ultimately professing their love on Christmas Day 2020.
He told The Sun: “I fell in love and then she saved my life. “I’d been talking to her in January and said I felt ill but would call back later or the next day. When I didn’t after three days she panicked – she knew I wouldn’t have ghosted her.
Junior has been diagnosed with dementia
His friends have set up a Go Fund Me page for him
“She drove to my flat and found me lying on the floor, barely breathing. I had covid and had gone into a diabetic coma and was hours from death. “I was on a ventilator for a month. Emma moved to be with me in Birmingham and I proposed in August, when I was again in hospital after having a minor stroke. It was a very tough time, but I’d go through it all again twice if it meant I still ended up with Emma.”
The pair tied the knot in May 2022 and have since made their home in Streatham, south London.
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