John Stapleton, the revered broadcaster whose face and voice became synonymous with British television news for more than half a century, died peacefully in hospital on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the age of 79. His agent, Jackie Gill, confirmed that Stapleton’s death followed complications from Parkinson’s disease, which were further exacerbated by pneumonia. His son, Nick, and daughter-in-law, Lisa, were by his side in his final moments, a testament to the deep family bonds that shaped his life both on and off screen, according to BBC and ITV reports.
Stapleton’s career, which spanned over five decades, charted the evolution of British broadcast journalism. Born in Oldham in 1946, he began his professional journey at the Oldham Chronicle, a local newspaper in northwest England. It wasn’t long before his talent for storytelling and his calm, authoritative presence propelled him into the world of television. By 1975, Stapleton had joined the BBC’s Nationwide programme, marking the start of his national broadcasting career, as detailed by BBC News.
In 1980, Stapleton became one of the founding reporters for the BBC’s flagship current affairs show Newsnight. He reported from Argentina during the Falklands War, demonstrating a knack for handling complex, high-pressure news environments. His move to ITV in 1983 saw him join the original team behind the breakfast show TV-am, before he returned to the BBC to co-present the consumer affairs programme Watchdog alongside his wife, Lynn Faulds Wood, in the late 1980s. The couple’s on-screen chemistry and shared commitment to consumer rights made them household names. Tragically, Faulds Wood died of a stroke in 2020, a loss Stapleton bore with characteristic dignity and grace.
Stapleton’s career continued to flourish as he joined GMTV in 1993, where he remained a central figure for over a decade. His coverage spanned major global events, from the war in Kosovo to Hurricane Katrina, and he interviewed a host of notable figures, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Princess Michael of Kent. According to BBC and ITV, Stapleton’s unflappable demeanor and adaptability made him a trusted anchor for viewers navigating the uncertainties of breaking news.
After GMTV’s closure in 2010, Stapleton continued his work with ITV’s Daybreak and later Good Morning Britain (GMB), making regular appearances until 2015. His versatility was widely praised. Erron Gordon, Good Morning Britain co-creator and a BBC department head, described Stapleton’s on-air skills as “unmatched,” saying, “He had an innate ability to navigate any challenge from breaking news to technical hiccups, whether in the studio or on location he was brilliant.”
Throughout his career, Stapleton was recognized for his journalistic integrity and warmth. In 2003, the Royal Television Society awarded him Presenter of the Year for his coverage of the Iraq war for GMTV. His professionalism left a lasting impression on colleagues and viewers alike. ITV, in a statement, called Stapleton “one of the organisation’s most trusted and respected news journalists and a much-loved face of breakfast television.”
Personal tributes poured in from across the broadcasting world. Kate Garraway, his former GMTV and Daybreak colleague, remembered him as a “dear friend and journalistic hero,” adding, “He was the most generous co-partner, always lifting who was alongside him up, never crushing or ramming that he knew better (which he did!) down their throat, never taking over and always always fair, truthful and honourable. Huge fun too – no one told a story down the pub better than John. We will not see his like again.”
GMB’s Susanna Reid posted on X, “So so sad to hear of John Stapleton’s death. He was a legend in broadcasting, the consummate pro and always good-humoured and gracious to work with. A huge part of GMB’s story and television history. Sending love to John’s family.” Charlotte Hawkins, another GMB presenter, wrote, “Our ‘Stapes’ has died. He was such a brilliant broadcaster and I loved working with him on GMB. A genuinely lovely man, it was good to see him when he came in just a few months ago to talk about his Parkinson’s diagnosis. He’ll be much missed.”
Other tributes highlighted Stapleton’s influence on the next generation of journalists. Martin Lewis, founder of Money Saving Expert, wrote that Stapleton and his wife were “brilliant pioneers of consumer journalism, laying the ground for people like me.” Sangita Myska, former LBC radio host, called him “a great journalist, role model and gentleman,” while BBC Radio 5 Live’s Nicky Campbell described him as “a good friend, a kind, wise and very funny man and he was a broadcasting giant.” Nick Owen, former BBC Midlands Today presenter, recalled “great times together during the dawn of breakfast tv back in the 1980s,” including the infamous moment when Stapleton was attacked by Rod Hull’s puppet Emu on live television—a moment that became part of TV legend.
Stapleton’s impact extended beyond journalism. He was a lifelong Manchester City fan, and the football club expressed sadness at his passing, saying, “He will be missed.” His son Nick shared on Instagram that after watching Manchester City win the 2023 Champions League final together, his father turned to him and said “he’d die happy. He meant it.” Nick described his father as “a very loving, unbelievably generous man. You won’t meet anyone with a bad word to say about him. And you can’t do much better than that.”
Stapleton’s resilience was evident in his response to his Parkinson’s diagnosis, which he made public in October 2024. Appearing on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, he said, “There’s no point in being miserable... It won’t ever change. I mean, 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.” Determined to remain positive, he even challenged himself to sing for Children in Need a month after his diagnosis, joining the cast of the musical & Juliet to help manage his symptoms, particularly tremors. “Speaking is how I’ve earned my living for the best part of 50 years,” he reflected, underscoring his lifelong commitment to communication and public service.
John Stapleton leaves behind a legacy of journalistic excellence, integrity, and kindness. His influence will live on in the countless colleagues he mentored, the audiences he informed, and the family who loved him dearly. For many, British television simply won’t be the same without him.
