The Daily Star Ireland
John Stapleton, one of Britain’s most respected broadcasters, has died at the age of 79. His death was confirmed on Sunday morning by his agent, Jackie Gill, who said the veteran journalist had been living with Parkinson’s disease, later complicated by pneumonia.
“John had Parkinson’s disease, which was complicated by pneumonia. His son Nick and daughter-in-law Lise have been constantly at his side, and John died peacefully in hospital this morning,” Gill said.
A Distinguished Career in Journalism
Born in Oldham in 1946, Stapleton began his career in print journalism before moving into broadcasting, where he became a familiar face across decades of British television. His early work included reporting for the BBC’s Panorama and Newsnight, where he covered conflict zones such as the Middle East, El Salvador, and Argentina during the Falklands War.
In 1986, he returned to the BBC to co-present the consumer affairs programme Watchdog alongside his wife, fellow journalist Lynn Faulds Wood. Together, the pair became a trusted duo on British television until 1993. Stapleton later hosted ITV’s debate show The Time, The Place throughout much of the 1990s before moving on to front GMTV’s The News Hour with Penny Smith in 1998.
His career continued well into the 2010s with roles at Daybreak—which replaced GMTV—and later Good Morning Britain (GMB). He worked as both presenter and special correspondent until his departure from GMB in 2015, leaving behind a legacy of authoritative but compassionate journalism.
Personal Battles and Advocacy
Stapleton revealed in October 2024 that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Speaking candidly on Good Morning Britain, he explained: “There’s no point in being miserable… Parkinson’s is here with me now for the rest of my life. Best I can do is try and control it and take the advice of all the experts.”
Despite his diagnosis, Stapleton continued to engage with audiences. On the BBC’s Morning Live, he even challenged himself to learn singing for a Children in Need fundraiser, having been advised that vocal exercises could help ease his tremors.
His personal life was deeply intertwined with journalism. He met Lynn Faulds Wood in 1971, and the couple married in 1977. They remained together for 43 years until her death in 2020, following a stroke. The couple had one son, Nick Stapleton, who has followed in his parents’ footsteps as a journalist and currently appears on BBC One’s Scam Interceptors.
Tributes from Colleagues and Friends
Tributes poured in from across the media landscape following news of Stapleton’s passing. GMB presenter Charlotte Hawkins wrote on X:
“So sad to hear John Stapleton – our ‘Stapes’ – has died. He was such a brilliant broadcaster and I loved working with him on GMB. A genuinely lovely man… He’ll be much missed.”
Kate Garraway, who co-hosted with him during the GMTV era, shared a photograph of them together on the famous sofa, calling him both a “dear friend” and a “journalistic hero.” She described him as a “rock solid broadcaster and the ultimate gentleman,” noting his long experience, which stretched back to his early days as a cub reporter at the Yorkshire Post.
Former LBC presenter Sangita Myska also remembered Stapleton warmly, saying he was “the epitome of collegiate behaviour” and “a role model and gentleman.” She recalled receiving a supportive message from him early in her career, which began a years-long exchange of encouragement and wisdom.
A Lasting Legacy
Stapleton’s career spanned over five decades, marked by integrity, warmth, and a commitment to telling stories with fairness and depth. From hard-hitting international reporting to consumer affairs and morning television, he left an indelible mark on British journalism.
His passing comes just four years after the death of his wife Lynn, making it another moment of loss for viewers who grew up with the couple on their screens. Colleagues, viewers, and fellow journalists alike remember him not only as a professional broadcaster but also as a kind and generous man who championed others in the industry.
