John Stapleton dies at 79 after Parkinson's and pneumonia

Veteran broadcaster John Stapleton has died at the age of 79, his agent said, after Parkinsons disease became complicated by pneumonia. Stapleton died peacefully in hospital early on Sunday, Jackie Gill said, with his son Nick and daughter in law Lisa at his side.

Gill said in a brief statement that Stapleton had Parkinsons disease which was complicated by pneumonia. The broadcaster had publicly revealed his diagnosis in October 2024 and in recent days his condition had deteriorated, his son told BBC Ones Morning Live. Nick Stapleton said he had noticed changes over the previous year, including increased anxiety, an unsteady gait and a tremor in his hand, which led to medical tests and the Parkinsons diagnosis. He also told presenters that a chest infection had worsened his fathers condition.

Stapleton, born in Oldham on 24 February 1946, enjoyed a television career that spanned almost five decades. He was best known for presenting consumer and breakfast programmes including Watchdog, GMTVs News Hour, TVAM, Daybreak and Good Morning Britain. He also reported for BBC current affairs shows such as Panorama and Newsnight, and covered international stories including conflict...