Dermot Murnaghan, the veteran British television presenter known for his work on BBC Breakfast, Sky News, and the quiz show Eggheads, has died at the age of 68 after a battle with prostate cancer. His family announced that he passed away peacefully at his home in north London on Saturday, surrounded by loved ones.
Career Highlights and Legacy
Murnaghan was a fixture on British TV screens for decades. Before joining Sky News in 2007, he was a main presenter on BBC Breakfast and frequently anchored the broadcaster's six o'clock and ten o'clock news programmes. He also delivered the announcement of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, live on ITV News in 1997, and broke the news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Sky News in 2022.
In addition to news presenting, Murnaghan hosted the long-running quiz show Eggheads. His recent projects included Channel 5's true crime documentary series Killer Britain and the podcast Legends of News, where he interviewed fellow journalists. The last episode was released in January. He also made a cameo appearance as a newsreader in the 2004 film Wimbledon, starring Paul Bettany and Kirsten Dunst.
Cancer Diagnosis and Advocacy
Murnaghan revealed in June last year that he had been diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer. He urged men over 50, those in high-risk groups, or displaying symptoms to get tested and campaign for routine NHS screening. He said: "Needless to say, my message to all men over 50, in high-risk groups or displaying symptoms, is get yourself tested and campaign for routine prostate screening by the NHS."
After his diagnosis, he formed a bond with Chris Hoy, the six-time Olympic gold medallist who disclosed his own terminal prostate cancer diagnosis in October 2024. Hoy contacted Murnaghan after hearing about his condition. Murnaghan told the Telegraph: "He's the oracle. He said to me: 'No matter how bad it gets, you have to think of the treatment as helping you punch [the cancer] back.'"
Family Statement and Tributes
In a statement posted on X, his family said: "It is with great sadness that the family of Dermot Murnaghan announces that he passed away at home in north London earlier this morning. He died peacefully with his family at his side. The family wish to thank the medical teams who cared for Dermot with such sensitivity and extraordinary compassion throughout his illness."
They asked that "anyone wishing to remember him considers supporting Prostate Cancer UK, Prostate Cancer Research and North London Hospice so that others may benefit from the research and care he received."
Prostate Cancer Statistics
According to Prostate Cancer UK, about one in eight men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. The disease often has no symptoms in its early stages, making screening crucial.
Funeral and Memorial Service
Murnaghan's funeral will be a small, family ceremony. A memorial service for friends and colleagues will be held later this year at St Bride's Church on Fleet Street, known for its association with journalists.
