Legendary television host and journalist John Stapleton has passed away at the age of 79. He was best known as a presenter on GMTV, Watch Dog, and Sky News. This comes after Stapelton revealed in 2024 that he was living with Parkinson’s disease.
According to Radio Times, Stapleton passed away in the early hours of September 21 in a hospital. His agent, Jackie Gill, confirmed the news with a statement. They wrote, “John had Parkinson’s disease, which was complicated by pneumonia.”
The statement continued, “His son Nick and daughter-in-law Lisa have been constantly at his side, and John died peacefully in hospital this morning.”
Many are Paying Tribute to Stapleton’s Legacy
Television personalities develop bonds not only with the people they work with but also with the millions of viewers. As a result, many are turning to social media to pay tribute to his legacy. One of his colleagues, Ben Briscoe, has done this.
He wrote on X, “So sad to hear that the incredible John Stapleton has died. An amazing mentor and one of the kindest people in TV news. I was so lucky to have worked with him for so long, meeting him on my very first day in TV over 20 years ago.”
The post continued, “Just a few weeks ago, I reunited him with Penny, and it was a magical moment. Thank you, John, for your constant advice, kindness, and laughs. You will be sorely missed.”
Another of his colleagues, Nicky Campbell, also wrote kind words. Saying, “I feel so sad. I worked with John Stapleton on Central Weekend Live for many years. He was a good friend, a kind, wise, and very funny man, and he was a broadcasting giant. Effortless, relaxed, and incisive. A steel hand in a velvet glove. My condolences to all who loved him. There are many. Rest in peace, my friend.”
Charlotte Hawkins, who also worked with Stapelton, left a heartfelt tribute. She wrote, “So sad to hear John Stapleton – our ‘Stapes’ has died. He was such a brilliant broadcaster, and I loved working with him on GMB. A genuinely lovely man, it was good to see him when he came in just a few months ago to talk about his Parkinson’s diagnosis. He’ll be much missed.”
He Leaves Behind an Impressive Legacy
Most people know Stapleton as a staple on British television screens. However, he got his start in the 1960s working for various newspapers. This includes publications such as the Oldham Chronicle. He then began working in broadcast television in the 1970s with appearances on “This Is Your Life” and “Today” on Thames TV.
He joined the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) as a reporter in 1975. His final television appearance came in June 2025.
