Tributes have been paid across the television industry to John Stapleton, the veteran broadcaster who has died at the age of 79. Stapleton, who presented programmes including Newsnight, Watchdog and GMTV's News Hour, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2024. His agent, Jackie Gill, confirmed he died peacefully in hospital, with his son Nick and daughter-in-law Lise at his side.
Former GMTV co-presenter Kate Garraway described Stapleton as a 'rock solid broadcaster and the ultimate gentleman', saying she was 'absolutely devastated'. Good Morning Britain presenters Charlotte Hawkins and Susanna Reid also paid tribute, with Reid calling him a 'legend' and 'consummate pro' who was 'always good-humoured and gracious to work with'.
Stapleton's son Nick posted on Instagram that his father had not been happy living with Parkinson's but 'got what he wanted – to leave us on his terms, without suffering'. He added that after watching Manchester City win the Champions League, his father said he would 'die happy'.
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 wife, Lynn Faulds Wood. The programme was known for exposing poor workmanship and illegal practices.
In 2002, Stapleton was interviewed by police after showing cannabis on GMTV, despite stating it would be destroyed. He also co-presented a controversial 1997 debate on the monarchy for Carlton Television, which drew criticism from journalist Sir Robin Day but was defended by the channel.
After revealing his Parkinson's diagnosis, Stapleton said on BBC's Morning Live: 'There's no point in being miserable … It won't ever change. Best I can do is try and control it and take the advice of all the experts.'
