The broadcasting world is mourning the loss of John Stapleton, who has died peacefully in hospital at the age of 79 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease, complicated by pneumonia.
The veteran journalist, known for his work on Watchdog, GMTV’s News Hour, Panorama and Newsnight, passed away early this morning with his family by his side. 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.”
Tragically, just days before his passing, John’s son Nick – himself a journalist – had revealed his heartbreaking fears on BBC’s Morning Live. He told hosts Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones that his father had “taken a turn for the worse” after developing a chest infection. “Unfortunately, dad’s got a bit of a chest infection, and that can be pretty nasty if you’ve got Parkinson’s,” Nick explained. “I just felt like I really needed to be there with him this weekend and get him some help.”
John had spoken openly about his illness last year on Morning Live, saying: “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, ‘Sorry, what did you say?’ But I try to remain positive, because what’s the point of not being?”
Tributes have since poured in from colleagues and fans alike. Good Morning Britain’s Charlotte Hawkins described him as “a genuinely lovely man” and “a brilliant broadcaster”, while radio legend Tony Blackburn remembered him as “a fine broadcaster” and “a very nice man”. TV personality Lizzie Cundy added: “John was always so kind to me. We’d always have fun chats about football. So kind, generous and funny.”
Nick, who followed his father into broadcasting, admitted his dad’s Parkinson’s diagnosis had been “really upsetting” but not a surprise, as his grandmother also lived with the condition. Now, fans and colleagues alike are remembering John as a giant of British broadcasting, whose legacy will endure far beyond his final sign-off.
