John Stapleton, the veteran broadcaster known for presenting Newsnight, Watchdog and GMTV's News Hour, has died at the age of 79. His agent, Jackie Gill, confirmed on Sunday that he had Parkinson's disease, which was complicated by pneumonia, and that he died peacefully in hospital with his son Nick and daughter-in-law Lise by his side.
Tributes have poured in from colleagues across the television industry. Kate Garraway, his former GMTV co-presenter, said she was 'absolutely devastated', describing him as a 'rock solid broadcaster and the ultimate gentleman'. Susanna Reid called him a 'legend' and 'consummate pro', while Charlotte Hawkins said he was a 'brilliant broadcaster' and a 'genuinely lovely man'.
Stapleton revealed his Parkinson's diagnosis in October 2024, saying on Good Morning Britain: 'There's no point in being miserable … It won't ever change. Parkinson's is here with me now for the rest of my life.' His son Nick posted on Instagram that his father 'got what he wanted – to leave us on his terms, without suffering'.
Born in Oldham, Stapleton began his career as a trainee reporter in the north-west before joining the BBC's Nationwide and later Newsnight, where he reported on conflicts worldwide. He became a household name on Watchdog from 1985 to 1993, presenting alongside his wife Lynn Faulds Wood, who died in 2020. The show was known for exposing shoddy workmanship and illegal practices.
In 1997, Stapleton was part of the presenting team for a Carlton Television debate on the monarchy, which drew criticism from journalist Sir Robin Day but was defended by the network. He also made headlines in 2002 when he was interviewed by police after showing cannabis on GMTV, though no further action was taken.
A lifelong Manchester City fan, Stapleton watched the club win the Champions League in 2023 with his son, who recalled his father saying he would 'die happy'. The club expressed their sadness at his passing.
