Veteran broadcaster John Stapleton has passed away at the age of 79, following a long fight with Parkinson’s disease.
The former Good Morning Britain presenter, who also fronted Newsnight, Panorama and GMTV’s News Hour, died peacefully in hospital early this morning.
His agent Jackie Gill confirmed: “John had Parkinson’s disease which was 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.”
Stapleton first revealed his Parkinson’s diagnosis in an emotional interview on BBC One’s Morning Live last year. He admitted: “Speaking is how I’ve earned my living for the best part of 50 years. 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. I am fairly pragmatic about the prospect of this getting worse. I try to remain positive, because what’s the point of not being?”
His openness struck a chord with many, especially as he revealed the disease had also affected both his grandmother and mother.
Parkinson’s is a progressive condition that causes parts of the brain to become increasingly damaged, leading to symptoms such as tremors and slowed movement.
Colleagues remember Stapleton as one of the most respected figures in British broadcasting, a man who brought warmth and authority to every programme he fronted.
