Veteran newsreader John Stapleton, who worked for Good Morning Britain and Channel 4’s Breakfast, has died at the age of 79 after a battle with Parkinson’s disease

Stapleton’s career spanned more than five decades, during which he became a familiar and trusted face to millions of viewers. Known for his sharp intellect and steady presence, he worked across major networks including the BBC, ITV, and GMTV, where he was both a host and a correspondent.

From breaking news coverage to hard-hitting interviews, Stapleton was admired for his ability to balance empathy with professionalism. His calm demeanor during high-pressure broadcasts earned him the respect of colleagues and audiences alike.

Born in Oldham, Lancashire, Stapleton began his career in local newspapers before moving into television journalism in the 1970s. He first made a name for himself as a reporter for the BBC’s Nationwide, where his knack for connecting with ordinary people set him apart from his peers.

By the 1980s, he had become a fixture on ITV’s This Morning and Watchdog, programs that blended investigative journalism with human-interest stories — a format in which he thrived. Over the years, he reported from war zones, political summits, and disaster sites, always maintaining the composure and fairness that defined his approach to journalism.

In the 1990s and 2000s, Stapleton co-anchored GMTV alongside his wife, Lynn Faulds Wood, a pioneering consumer rights journalist who passed away in 2020. Together, the pair became one of British television’s most beloved duos. Their natural chemistry, mutual respect, and commitment to public service made them household names.

Faulds Wood, known for her investigative work on product safety and consumer rights, often credited her husband with being her “greatest supporter and best friend.” Following her passing, Stapleton continued to advocate for Parkinson’s awareness and consumer protection — causes that had defined both their careers.

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John Stapleton in 2020

Television presenter John Stapleton, 79, who had Parkinson’s disease complicated by pneumonia, passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, his agent confirmed. Jackie Gill said: “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.”

John discussed his condition on television, and shared details on Good Morning Britain last year. He said: “There’s no point in being miserable or trying to change anything, it won’t ever change. It won’t ever change, Parkinson’s is here with me now for the rest of my life. Best I can do is try and control it and take the advice of all the experts I’m talking to.”

In a moving moment, he added in a heartbreaking seven-word response: “I’ve got it, get on with it!”, reports the Express.

He initially suspected he had Parkinson’s several years before receiving his official diagnosis, and consulted with a specialist.

Stapleton added: “So I went back and of course he did confirm, about two to three months ago, he confirmed it was indeed Parkinson’s. Also, I had other symptoms as well – difficulty swallowing, handwriting going, I would find myself writing tiny letters that no one else could decipher, feeling fatigued a lot of the time when I wouldn’t do otherwise and of course the voice.

“The voice has lost a lot of its resonance so I have to speak louder! I’ve got a speech therapist who has helped me a great deal, teaching me to speak more loudly.”

Veteran broadcaster Eamonn Holmes also paid tribute, saying, “John was old-school in the best possible way. No ego, no drama — just professionalism and heart. He and Lynn were the gold standard of morning television.”

Holmes, who worked alongside Stapleton during his time at ITV, added that the late presenter “brought warmth and credibility to every broadcast.” Other colleagues echoed that sentiment, recalling a man whose humility was as remarkable as his talent.

Former BBC Breakfast host Naga Munchetty shared her condolences live on air, calling Stapleton “a mentor to so many.” She noted that his legacy extended far beyond his on-screen work: “John always took the time to encourage younger journalists, reminding us that compassion and curiosity are the cornerstones of great reporting.”

Off-screen, Stapleton was known for his quiet humor, his love of literature, and his fierce loyalty to family and friends. Those who worked closely with him describe a man deeply devoted to his wife and son, journalist Nick Stapleton, who has followed in his parents’ footsteps with a career in investigative reporting. “He was immensely proud of Nick,” one family friend said. “Journalism wasn’t just a job for John — it was a calling, something he believed could make the world better.”

In his later years, Stapleton spoke openly about his struggles with Parkinson’s disease, using his platform to raise awareness and encourage early diagnosis. Despite the challenges, he remained active in the industry, contributing to documentaries and appearing at media events until his health began to decline.

Friends say his courage and good humor never wavered. “He faced Parkinson’s with the same grace and strength that he showed throughout his life,” said one former producer. “He never complained — he just kept moving forward.”

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John’s son, Nick, also opened up about his father’s diagnosis, noting that he had observed his dad struggling more. He shared: “Over the last year, I’ve started to notice that dad was seeming a bit more anxious.

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John Stapleton with his wife Lynn Faulds Wood who died in 2020

“He wasn’t walking as confidently and he had this tremor in his hand.

“So two months ago, he went for some tests and unfortunately a few days later he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.”

He added: “It was deeply troubling news.”

Stapleton was best known for his appearances on Newsnight, Panorama and GMTV’s News Hour. He was also one of the original presenters on Sky News.

John’s wife Lynn Faulds Wood, who helmed the BBC consumer rights programme Watchdog from 1986 until 1993 with John, died of a stroke caused by antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) – an autoimmune disease that causes an increased risk of blood clots – in 2020 aged 72.

Speaking about Lynn – who survived bowel cancer and skin cancer – John told Lorraine Kelly, 65, during an episode of her eponymous ITV show in May 2021: “When Lynn started campaigning there were people in our business who couldn’t bring themselves to say the word cancer… Lynn would have none of that of course.

“She saved thousands of lives. She was still doing it right at the end. She would always find some ray of hope.”

For help and support with Parkinson’s, you can reach out to charity Parkinson’s UK on their free confidential helpline 0808 800 0303 or visit their website.

The world of journalism is mourning the loss of John Stapleton, the veteran British broadcaster whose calm authority, integrity, and compassion defined decades of television news. Stapleton, 79, passed away this week after what family members described as a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. His death marks the end of an era for British morning television and current affairs, with colleagues and admirers alike paying heartfelt tribute to a man widely regarded as one of the profession’s true gentlemen.

Tributes have poured in from across the broadcasting world, reflecting the immense respect Stapleton commanded. Susanna Reid, co-presenter of Good Morning Britain, described him as “a giant of the industry — steady, sincere, and endlessly kind.” She wrote on social media, “John was the kind of journalist everyone looked up to. He never chased fame or sensationalism, just the truth. His legacy will live on in the countless journalists he inspired.”

Fans have also been sharing memories of Stapleton online, with many recalling his calm voice during moments of national crisis. During the 9/11 attacks, the death of Princess Diana, and other breaking stories, Stapleton’s coverage was marked by a sense of dignity and humanity that comforted viewers. One longtime viewer wrote, “John Stapleton was part of the fabric of our mornings for so many years. He made you feel informed, but also cared for. That’s rare.”

Even in an era of fast-paced, personality-driven broadcasting, Stapleton’s quiet authority continued to resonate. He often spoke about the importance of truth and balance in journalism, warning younger reporters against the dangers of sensationalism. In a 2015 interview, he reflected, “Our job isn’t to shout the loudest — it’s to listen, to ask the right questions, and to earn the public’s trust.” Those words now feel like a fitting epitaph for a man who lived by them.

As tributes continue to flood in, broadcasters across the UK have dedicated moments of silence and reflection in his honor. ITV’s newsroom aired a brief retrospective of his career, showing clips of his most memorable reports and his partnership with Lynn Faulds Wood. The tribute ended with one of Stapleton’s closing lines from a 2002 broadcast: “If you can make people think, you’ve done your job.”

John Stapleton leaves behind a profound legacy — not just as a journalist, but as a symbol of what journalism can be at its best: honest, empathetic, and fearless in pursuit of the truth. His passing marks the end of a golden chapter in British broadcasting, but his influence endures in every reporter who values integrity over spectacle. As Susanna Reid summed up in her on-air tribute: “He showed us that journalism, when done with heart, can change lives. John Stapleton was that kind of journalist — and that kind of man.”