John Stapleton dies aged 79 after Parkinson's battle; tributes pour in from TV colleagues

John Stapleton, the veteran broadcaster whose career spanned almost five decades, has died aged 79 after a battle with Parkinson's disease. He died peacefully in hospital early this morning, his agent confirmed, with his son Nick and daughter-in-law Lisa at his side.

The agent said Parkinson's disease was complicated by pneumonia, and noted that family members had been at Stapleton's side as he passed away. The news prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and friends across television, with many recalling his decades-long contribution to British news and current affairs.

Stapleton's career included on-screen roles across major programs, spanning BBC journalism and breakfast television. Born in Oldham in 1946, he began in newspapers before moving into television, reporting from hotspots around the world during the Falklands War and other crises. He later presented on Panorama and Newsnight, and became a familiar face on GMTV's News Hour. He also hosted Watchdog on BBC, a collaboration with his wife Lynn Faulds Wood, from 1986 into the early 1990s, before returning to the BBC and later appearing on Good Morning Britain.

In recent years Stapleton spoke publicly about his Parkinson's diagnosis, describing the challenge of maintaining communication and the need to stay pragmatic about the condition. He acknowledged that speaking—his lifelong trade—had become increasingly difficult, but emphasized a hopeful outlook and continued engagement with the work he loved.

Tributes from across the broadcasting community quickly followed the news. Kate Garraway, Stapleton's GMTV co-star, led the mourning, calling him a “rock solid broadcaster” and an “ultimate gentleman” and recalling his generous, steady presence on air. Others joined in to celebrate his influence and character.

Susanna Reid described Stapleton as a broadcasting legend and a consummate professional who was always good-humoured and gracious to work with. Nicky Campbell shared a tribute on social media, recalling their long collaboration and praising his decency and wit. Charlotte Hawkins posted a photo of the two together and remembered him as a genuine legend and brilliant broadcaster, adding that it was a pleasure to work with him on GMB.

Martin Lewis, who worked with Stapleton on consumer journalism projects, called him a gentleman and noted his easy rapport across genres, from light-hearted pieces to more serious reporting. Gaby Roslin wrote that Stapleton was a good, kind, caring man, while Michelle Dewberry added that his kind of public figure is increasingly rare. Peter Levy commended him as a brilliant journalist and a presenter who could navigate varied tones with ease.

The outpouring reflects Stapleton's long-standing role in shaping British television during a period of rapid change in the industry. From early reporting in newsrooms to fronting major programs, he demonstrated versatility and a steady hand that colleagues say helped define a generation of broadcasters.

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative condition that affects movement and function, with symptoms including tremors and slow movement. The illness typically emerges in older adults, though some cases occur earlier, and can be accompanied by non-motor symptoms such as speech difficulties, mood changes and cognitive challenges. In Stapleton's case, his public discussion of the disease last year highlighted how it can affect even highly accomplished communicators, while illustrating his determination to continue engaging with his work and audience where possible.

Stapleton is survived by his family, including his son Nick and daughter-in-law Lisa, who were described as being at his side in the hospital. He leaves a legacy of longevity in British journalism and broadcasting, marked by a career that spanned newspapers, investigative programs, consumer reporting, and morning television. His friends and colleagues say his absence will be felt across the industry, where his professional example and warm, often witty, approach to storytelling left an enduring imprint.