Former Sky News anchor Dermot Murnaghan has been remembered as a “legendary news journalist and presenter” following his death at the age of 68. The broadcaster, who died “peacefully” on Saturday morning “following a period of illness with prostate cancer,” according to his family, was best known for his 15-year tenure as a lead anchor on Sky News. He also presented news bulletins for the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4 during his decades-long career.
Tributes from Colleagues and Public Figures
TV journalist Susanna Reid, who presents ITV’s Good Morning Britain, led the tributes, sharing a selfie with Murnaghan on Instagram and calling his death “utterly devastating news.” She recalled the “sheer pleasure of presenting with Dermot at BBC Breakfast,” adding: “Dermot was a serious journalist who never took himself too seriously. He was intelligent and charming and viewers and guests loved him.”
Sky’s royal commentator Alastair Bruce said his time working alongside Murnaghan was “an experience that brought affirmation and assurance.” Writing on X, Bruce noted: “He was generous, on air, and always provided the space for Rhiannon and me to weave in our context and commentary. We will miss his steady measure at the microphone.”
Political and Media Reactions
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey paid tribute, stating: “Dermot Murnaghan was a broadcasting legend who we have lost far too soon. His tireless advocacy, encouraging more men to get tested for prostate cancer, will no doubt have saved lives.”
Journalist and Sky News political editor Beth Rigby said she was “deeply saddened” by the death of Murnaghan, whom she worked with during coverage of the 2019 general election. BBC Radio 4 Today programme presenter Nick Robinson praised him as “someone you instinctively trusted – clever, warm and witty,” while journalist Liam Halligan remembered him as “a brilliant broadcaster – and huge character.”
Advocacy for Prostate Cancer Awareness
Murnaghan announced his “incurable but it’s not untreatable” prostate cancer diagnosis last year and became a vocal advocate for raising awareness. Speaking on BBC Breakfast last November, he urged men in high-risk groups to get checked, admitting he delayed testing “because I felt fine.”
Charities expressed gratitude for his support. Prostate Cancer Research said they were “profoundly grateful” for his work, praising his “remarkable honesty and courage.” A spokesperson for Prostate Cancer UK said the charity is “heartbroken” by his death, adding: “He was a passionate and dedicated supporter of our charity, and his work had a huge impact on the hundreds of thousands of men affected by prostate cancer across the country.”
Career Highlights
Murnaghan started his presenting career in 1989, hosting Channel 4’s breakfast programme and its business segments before becoming one of its lead presenters. At ITV, he hosted the Lunchtime News and News at Ten and led coverage of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997. The award-winning journalist was a main presenter of BBC Breakfast from 2002 until 2007 and later presented his own show discussing politics and current affairs for Sky News. He left Sky—where he covered the death of Queen Elizabeth II—in 2023. Murnaghan was also known for hosting BBC quiz show Eggheads for 11 years.
Jonathan Munro, deputy director of BBC News, said: “Dermot was a true gentleman and a brilliant journalist and broadcaster who was much-loved by viewers and by his BBC colleagues. Across his work, from presenting BBC Breakfast to hosting Eggheads, he was a consummate professional and someone who really had a natural ability to connect with audiences. Our thoughts are with Dermot’s family, friends and colleagues.”
