Veteran broadcaster John Stapleton dies aged 79

Broadcaster John Stapleton - a familiar face on news and current affairs shows for decades - has died.

The 79-year-old, who had Parkinson's disease, died peacefully in hospital this morning.

Stapleton appeared on well-known shows such as Watchdog, Nationwide, Newsnight, Good Morning Britain, Panorama, and GMTV's News Hour.

He was also among Sky News' original presenters.

Stapleton's agent, Jackie Gil, said his Parkinson's had been "complicated by pneumonia":

"His son Nick and daughter-in-law Lisa have been constantly at his side and John died peacefully in hospital this morning," said a statement.

In October last year, Stapleton opened up about his Parkinson's diagnosis, a condition his mother also had.

"I am fairly pragmatic about the prospect of this getting worse," he said. "I try to remain positive, because what's the point of not being?"

"Speaking is how I've earned my living for the best part of 50 years," he said in a BBC interview.

"It's very frustrating sometimes, particularly (when) people are constantly saying to you, 'sorry, what did you say?' And you have to repeat yourself, time and time again."

Former colleagues have been paying tribute to Stapleton's warmth and professionalism.

Sky News' Mark Austin posted on X: "Incredibly sad. A good man and top presenter who could turn his hand to anything."

Good Morning Britain's Charlotte Hawkins called him a "brilliant broadcaster" and a "genuinely lovely man".

Fellow GMB presenter Susanna Reid said on X that Stapleton was a "legend in broadcasting" and "always good-humoured and gracious to work with".

LBC's Iain Dale called him a "great interviewer" with "a real instinct for the mood of a nation".

As a life-long Manchester City fan, the club also posted a tribute on X.

"Manchester City are saddened to learn that John Stapleton has passed away at the age of 79," it said.

"John was a passionate City supporter and a regular at the Etihad Stadium. He will be missed. Our thoughts are with John's family and friends at this difficult time."

Stapleton was born in Oldham and began his career at local papers in Greater Manchester.

His first job in TV was as a researcher and scriptwriter on ITV show This is Your Life - but he would go on to cover many of the biggest news events of the day, interview prime ministers, and appear in shows with millions of viewers.

In 2004, he was named the Royal Television Society's presenter of the year for his work on the Iraq War and a series of interviews that included Sir Tony Blair.

His wife, Lynn Faulds Wood, with whom Stapleton presented Watchdog in the late 80s and early 90s, died from a stroke in 2020.

(c) Sky News 2025: Veteran broadcaster John Stapleton dies aged 79