Legendary TV presenter John Stapleton has passed away at the age of 79 in hospital. He was battling Parkinson’s disease which became complicated by pneumonia. Known for his decades long career in journalism and broadcasting, Stapleton became a household name with programmes like Watchdog, Newsnight, and GMTV News Hour. Tributes have poured in from colleagues and celebrities who described him as a brilliant broadcaster and a kind soul.
Born in Oldham in 1946 John Stapleton began his career as a trainee reporter at the Oldham Chronicle. His early reporting work laid the foundation for a career that would span decades in journalism and broadcasting. He moved into television in the mid 70s and joined BBC Nationwide in 1975. By 1980 he was covering major events such as the Falklands War for Newsnight. His fearless reporting and sharp interviewing style made him one of the most respected journalists in British television.
In 1983 he moved to ITV to join the launch of TV am. Just three years later he returned to the BBC to co present Watchdog alongside his wife Lynn Faulds Wood. The show became famous for confronting consumer scams and exposing unfair practices. Lynn passed away in 2020 leaving John Stapleton to battle Parkinson’s disease with the support of his son Nick.
Stapleton later became a key part of GMTV where he covered major global events. His assignments included the war in Kosovo and Hurricane Katrina, showcasing his skill in both hard news and human-interest stories.
He interviewed major world figures such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Princess Michael of Kent. Even after GMTV ended in 2010 he stayed on British television through Daybreak and Good Morning Britain until 2015. Colleagues praised his calm professionalism during breaking news and live coverage.
Living with Parkinson’s Disease
John Stapleton revealed his Parkinson’s diagnosis in October 2024. Despite the illness, he chose to remain positive and continued to inspire audiences with his resilience. He even performed for Children in Need to raise awareness about the disease. Singing lessons helped him manage symptoms, and his son Nick shared that John lived independently until the very end, facing illness with courage and determination.
- Positive Outlook John Stapleton stayed optimistic after his Parkinson’s diagnosis focusing on living life fully despite the illness.
- Raising Awareness He performed for Children in Need and used his platform to bring attention to Parkinson’s disease.
- Family Support His son Nick revealed that Stapleton lived independently until the end supported closely by his family.
Even while battling Parkinson’s, John Stapleton remained determined to live life fully. He continued inspiring people through his work and public appearances. His courage and positivity left a lasting legacy for fans and colleagues alike.
Tributes from Colleagues and Celebrities
BBC presenter Nicky Campbell described him as a broadcasting giant, while Charlotte Hawkins called him a genuinely lovely man. Many colleagues credited him as a mentor who shaped the golden era of British broadcasting. Martin Lewis praised John Stapleton and his wife as pioneers of consumer journalism in Britain. Former presenters from GMTV and BBC also shared heartfelt memories of working with him during the early days of breakfast television.
A passionate Manchester City supporter John Stapleton once said he would spend more time watching his favorite team if not in journalism. The football club expressed sadness at his passing, calling him a loyal fan and supporter. Stapleton leaves behind a legacy of fearless journalism and decades of broadcasting excellence. His work influenced generations of journalists and touched countless lives through public service broadcasting.
