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 that he had Parkinson's disease, which was complicated by pneumonia. Stapleton died peacefully in hospital with his son Nick and daughter-in-law Lise at his side.
Tributes have poured in from colleagues. Former GMTV co-presenter Kate Garraway described 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 began his career as a trainee reporter in the north-west before moving to BBC's Nationwide and Newsnight. He became a household name presenting Watchdog from 1985 to 1993 alongside his late wife Lynn Faulds Wood. The programme was known for exposing shoddy workmanship and illegal practices.
In 2002, Stapleton faced police questioning after showing cannabis on GMTV, which he had obtained for a segment. He later said the police were satisfied after he explained the drugs would be destroyed. He also co-presented a controversial 1997 debate on the monarchy for Carlton Television.
Stapleton revealed his Parkinson's diagnosis in October 2024, saying: 'There's no point in being miserable… It won't ever change.' His son Nick posted on Instagram that his father 'got what he wanted – to leave us on his terms, without suffering'. A Manchester City fan, Stapleton had said after their Champions League win that he would 'die happy'.
