Sir Chris Hoy and Louise Minchin have joined the ranks of famous faces paying tribute to "first class journalist" and former Sky News anchor Dermot Murnaghan, who died aged 68.
Passing After Prostate Cancer Battle
The veteran broadcaster died "peacefully" on Saturday aged 68 "following a period of illness with prostate cancer", his family said in a statement. Murnaghan was best known for his 15-year tenure as a lead anchor on Sky News, and also presented news bulletins for the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 during his career.
Sir Chris Hoy's Tribute
Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris paid tribute to his "good friend" Murnaghan on Instagram, and said the pair met through their mutual love of cycling. The sportsman added that their friendship "galvanised" through mutual stage four prostate cancer, with Sir Chris having revealed his condition in 2023, while Murnaghan was diagnosed in 2025.
Sir Chris wrote: "He was an immensely skilled broadcaster, a kind and gracious man and someone who has been a big part of this current chapter of my life. I can't believe he's gone, just like that. This is a cruel disease and one Dermot campaigned tirelessly to raise funds and awareness for."
Louise Minchin and Other Journalists Remember
TV presenter and journalist Minchin shared a photo of herself alongside Murnaghan and Sir Chris, during the cyclists' Tour De 4 fundraiser. The broadcaster, 57, wrote: "Dermot Murnaghan was a first class journalist and a charming man." Minchin added that she "loved" working with Murnaghan on BBC Breakfast – which he hosted from 2002 to 2007 – and said it was a "joy" to complete Sir Chris' challenge together.
Newsreader Charlotte Hawkins was "desperately sad" to hear the news, hailing Murnaghan as "a legendary broadcaster and a master at what he did", while presenter Jon Sopel called his death "a loss to TV journalism".
Political Figures Pay Respects
Andy Burnham, who is expected to succeed Sir Keir Starmer as Labour leader and prime minister, said he was "so sad", adding: "Dermot was an exceptional broadcaster and a truly decent person. I always enjoyed being in his company." Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey praised Murnaghan's "tireless advocacy" for prostate cancer and called him "a broadcasting legend who we have lost far too soon".
Broadcasting Colleagues Share Memories
Susanna Reid, who presents ITV's Good Morning Britain, shared a selfie of herself with Murnaghan on Instagram as she remembered the "legendary news journalist and presenter", who she called a "sheer pleasure" to work with. Sky's royal commentator Alastair Bruce wrote on X that working with Murnaghan was "an experience that brought affirmation and assurance".
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 on Sky. BBC Radio 4 Today programme presenter Nick Robinson praised Murnaghan as "someone you instinctively trusted – clever, warm and witty", while journalist Liam Halligan remembered him as "a brilliant broadcaster". Radio DJ Liz Kershaw also paid tribute on X and urged her followers to get their prostate checked to "honour his memory".
Advocacy and Cancer Awareness
Murnaghan announced his "incurable but it's not untreatable" prostate cancer diagnosis last year and became a vocal advocate and campaigner in raising awareness for the disease. Speaking on BBC Breakfast last November, he urged men in high-risk groups to get themselves checked for prostate cancer, as he admitted he delayed getting tested "because I felt fine".
Charities including Prostate Cancer Research said they were "profoundly grateful" for the support Murnaghan gave their work, and praised his "remarkable honesty and courage" in raising awareness. Prostate Cancer UK said it is "heartbroken" by his death, remembering Murnaghan as a "passionate and dedicated supporter of our charity" whose advocacy had "a huge impact" on those with the condition.
Career Highlights
Jonathan Munro, the deputy director of BBC News, remembered Murnaghan as "a consummate professional and someone who really had a natural ability to connect with audiences". Murnaghan started his presenting career on Channel 4 in 1989. He later worked for ITV where he hosted the Lunchtime News and News at Ten, and led their coverage of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997. The award-winning journalist also presented BBC Breakfast and his own programme discussing politics and current affairs for Sky News. He left Sky – where he covered the death of Queen Elizabeth II – in 2023. Murnaghan also hosted BBC quiz show Eggheads for 11 years.
