Good Morning Britain opened with heartfelt tributes on Monday following the death of veteran journalist John Stapleton, as Susanna Reid visibly fought back tears and Richard Madeley admitted: ‘I can’t believe he’s actually gone.’

The broadcaster, a familiar face on British television for decades, passed away yesterday morning at the age of 79 after complications linked to Parkinson’s disease and pneumonia.

His agent confirmed that he died ‘peacefully’ in hospital, sparking an outpouring of grief from colleagues and viewers alike.

John was remembered warmly by the programme he helped shape when Good Morning Britain first launched just over a decade ago.

‘We go on air this morning on Good Morning Britain holding in our hearts the family of John Stapleton,’ Susanna, 54, said at the top of the show. ‘He was a part of this programme’s history and a part of breakfast television history.’

Richard, 69, added: ‘He was a major figure at the BBC and a major figure at ITV. He was huge.’

Good Morning Britain opened with heartfelt tributes on Monday following the death of veteran journalist John Stapleton, as Susanna Reid (pictures) visibly fought back tears

The broadcaster, pictured, a familiar face on British television for decades, passed away yesterday morning at the age of 79

Fighting emotion, Susanna continued: ‘We will be remembering John throughout the programme.

‘We were lucky enough to interview John last year, when he described in his own words, coming out about his Parkinson’s diagnosis. He was so incredibly positive.’

She praised his ‘wit and warmth’, reflecting that broadcasting has ‘lost a legend’.

Richard appeared visibly shaken as he responded: ‘I can’t believe he’s actually gone. It seems impossible.’

The tribute followed a wave of messages shared online, including from Reid herself.

Posting on X yesterday, she wrote: ‘So so sad to hear of John Stapleton’s death. He was a legend in broadcasting, the consummate pro and always good-humoured and gracious to work with. A huge part of GMB’s story and television history. Sending love to John’s family.’

John’s career spanned more than 40 years, marking him as one of the most enduring names in television journalism.

He began at the BBC, working on flagship programmes including Panorama, before going on to co-present Watchdog alongside his wife, Lynn Faulds Wood. The couple became one of television’s most trusted duos until Lynn’s death in 2020.

John’s agent confirmed that he died ‘peacefully’ in hospital, sparking an outpouring of grief from colleagues and viewers alike [Pictured in 2021]

John, pictured with Kate Garraway, was remembered warmly by the programme he helped shape when Good Morning Britain first launched just over a decade ago

In the 1980s, John was among the faces of TV-am’s Good Morning Britain, presenting between 1983 and 1986.

He later became a staple of ITV breakfast television, moving through GMTV and Daybreak before joining Good Morning Britain when it replaced Daybreak in 2014. He remained on the sofa until 2015.

Colleagues frequently highlighted his ability to combine sharp journalistic instincts with charm and warmth on-screen. Former co-hosts have recalled how effortlessly he put guests at ease, even while handling difficult stories.

The news of his death came just days after his son, Nick Stapleton, gave an update about his father’s health on the BBC’s Morning Live. Speaking by video link, Nick explained he was with his father after a sudden downturn.

‘Unfortunately, Dad’s got a bit of a chest infection and that can be pretty nasty if you’ve got Parkinson’s,’ he said.

‘And I just felt like I really needed to be there with him this weekend and get him some help. And thankfully, that is now in place, and I’m hopeful that, y’know, he’ll be back on form pretty soon.’

John and his wife Lynn Faulds Wood (pictured together) became one of television’s most trusted duos until Lynn’s death in 2020

John first spoke publicly about his Parkinson’s diagnosis in October last year in a candid film for the BBC.

‘Speaking is how I’ve earned my living for the best part of 50 years, and it’s very frustrating sometimes, particularly if people are constantly saying to you, sorry, what did you say?’ he said.

‘And you have to repeat yourself time and time and time again. I’m fairly pragmatic about the prospect of this getting worse. I try to remain positive because what’s the point of not being [positive].’

In a follow-up interview with the Mirror, published in November, he said: ‘Parkinson’s is not going to go away, so learn to live with it. I take the best advice I can from my neurologist, from my speech therapist, and get on with it.’

Lorraine Kelly also shared a heartfelt tribute to the broadcasting, saying: ‘I was on that sofa with John many times over the years from GMTV to more recently when he came in to talk about living with Parkinson’s, without an ounce of self-pity.’

On her programme on Monday, health editor Dr Hilary joined in: ‘He was everybody’s friend. He was an inspiration to everyone including the both of us. He spoke to everybody on the same level and he would remember people years after meeting them.’