Well-known television presenters Susanna Reid and Eamonn Holmes were present to honor the memory of respected journalist John Stapleton at his funeral on Thursday. Many prominent figures from the world of broadcasting attended the service.
The broadcaster passed away on September 21st at the age of 79. He had been living with Parkinson’s disease, and his condition was worsened by pneumonia.
Oh my gosh, I was *always* glued to the TV whenever David Stapleton was on! Seriously, he was incredible. I remember watching him on shows like Newsnight, Panorama, and even GMTV’s News Hour. It’s just amazing to think about – he was on our screens for nearly five decades! A truly remarkable career, honestly.
Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna was seen chatting outside the church with other attendees.
Penny Smith, who used to work with John, was also there. They co-hosted the News Hour on GMTV together from 1998 until 2010.
Martin Frizell, a former editor of This Morning, attended the funeral with Dr. Hilary Jones, a frequent guest on the show.
Media executive and former BBC director-general Greg Dyke was also in attendance.
Following his passing, John Stapleton’s representative, Jackie Gill, shared that he had been living with Parkinson’s disease, and his condition was worsened by pneumonia.
John passed away peacefully in the hospital this morning, with his son, Nick, and daughter-in-law, Lise, remaining by his side constantly.
Last year, the ex-Good Morning Britain host shared his heartbreaking struggle with Parkinson’s disease in a moving interview on BBC One’s Morning Live.
‘Speaking is how I’ve earned my living for the best part of 50 years,’ he said last October.
Ugh, it *kills* me, honestly. It’s so frustrating when I’m talking – especially when people keep saying, “Sorry, what did you say?” Like, seriously? I have to repeat myself over and over again! It’s just… infuriating. I wish people would just listen the first time! It’s not that hard!
I’m generally realistic about things potentially getting more difficult. I make an effort to stay optimistic, simply because there’s no benefit to being negative.
The experienced broadcaster had previously shared that both his grandmother and mother had fought the same illness.
Parkinson’s disease is a condition that gradually damages parts of the brain over time. This damage leads to symptoms like shaking and slowed movement. It’s a degenerative condition, meaning it gets worse over many years, and affects how the brain functions. Learn more about the causes and treatments.
Born in Oldham in 1946, Stapleton started his career working for newspapers. He then became a presenter for BBC’s Panorama and Newsnight, reporting on conflicts and challenging situations in the Middle East, El Salvador, and Argentina during the Falklands War. He covered these trouble spots with firsthand reporting.
He also hosted Good Morning Britain, and then went back to the BBC in 1986. There, he presented the consumer program Watchdog with his wife, Lynn Faulds Wood, until 1993.
His death comes five years after Ms Wood died aged 72 after suffering a stroke.
The pair met when she was working in a pub in 1971 and tied the knot six years later.
They had their son, Nick, together in 1987.
Nick, who also works as a journalist, shared on BBC Morning Live last week that his father was suffering from ‘a bit of a chest infection’.
He explained: ‘Sadly, Dad has developed a chest infection, which could be serious given his Parkinson’s disease.’
I really felt it was important for me to be with him this weekend and help him get the support he needed. Thankfully, that’s now arranged, and I’m optimistic he’ll be feeling much better soon.
As a lifestyle expert, I’ve been following the news, and it’s truly heartbreaking. So many people are sharing their condolences for the beloved figure who was a mainstay on both the BBC and ITV. Television presenter Mark Austin perfectly captured the feeling, calling his passing “incredibly sad”. It’s a tough time for everyone in the industry and those who knew him.
Reacting to the news on X, Austin shared: ‘Deeply saddened. He was a truly kind person and an exceptionally talented presenter, capable of excelling at anything. Sending my best to his family.’
Erron Gordon, who helped create Good Morning Britain, shared heartwarming stories about his time working with Stapleton in a moving tribute.
He stated: ‘John Stapleton was a truly exceptional presenter I had the pleasure of directing at both GMTV and Good Morning Britain.‘
He was remarkably adaptable, naturally skilled at handling anything that came his way – from urgent news stories to technical problems. He consistently performed brilliantly, both in the studio and while filming on location.
Every Christmas, he and Penny Smith would give gifts to the crew, demonstrating how much he valued his team.
‘He was truly one of the good guys. Rest in peace, Stapes.’
Stapleton and Smith, who played a couple on screen, worked together for 17 years and recently shared a touching emotional reunion last month.
In an interview on GB News, he explained that he accepts his Parkinson’s diagnosis and feels there’s ‘no point moaning about it’ since he ‘can’t do anything about’ the condition.
Stapleton explained that right now, it’s all about getting through things. He’s trying to adjust to the changes and difficulties he’s facing, but he acknowledges things could be much worse. He feels fortunate to have great friends, and a wonderful son and daughter-in-law.
Television presenter Sangita Myska described Stapleton as ‘the epitome of collegiate behaviour’ and ‘a great journalist, role model and gentleman’.
She shared the heartbreaking news of the passing of long-time journalist and broadcaster John Stapleton. She fondly remembered watching him on television during her childhood, expressing great admiration for his work.
Completely unexpectedly one day, he sent me a really nice message about my work. I was thrilled! We kept in touch with messages now and then over the years. He consistently offered encouraging words and insightful advice.
After I moved from the BBC to LBC, he made sure to tune in to my first broadcast. He was incredibly supportive. While the world of broadcasting can often be competitive and harsh, John always exemplified kindness and professionalism. He was the very definition of a team player.
Goodbye, John. We’ll remember you as a fantastic journalist, someone to look up to, and a truly kind person. It’s comforting to know you’ll be with your beloved wife, Lynn, again. Sending my deepest sympathy and prayers to your family.
Presenter Kate Garraway, a former colleague of Stapleton’s on GMTV, expressed being ‘absolutely devastated’ upon learning of his passing, describing him as a ‘dear friend and journalistic hero’.
She stated: ‘A truly dependable broadcaster and a kind, considerate man. He’d been working in journalism since his early days as a junior reporter at the Yorkshire Post.’
On his very first day working by himself in the office, he received a call from the police informing him that they had begun searching the moors. They were doing this because they suspected the remains of murdered children might be hidden there.
‘He found himself less than an hour later at the scene of one of our nation’s most horrific crimes.
Many others are better equipped to speak to his remarkable career, and I truly hope they do. However, all I can offer is that he was an exceptionally generous colleague. He consistently supported those around him, never belittled them or asserted his knowledge (though he often did know better!). He never dominated conversations or took control, and was consistently fair, honest, and honorable. He was a true gentleman.
It was always great being around John – he was the best storyteller you’d find in any pub. We’ll truly miss him, as there will never be another like him. Our thoughts are with his son, Nick, and everyone who knew and loved him.
My GMB colleague Charlotte Hawkins posted a picture of us together from when I was on the show last year. She wrote: ‘Really saddened to learn that John Stapleton – affectionately known as ‘Stapes’ – has passed away.’
He was a truly exceptional broadcaster, and I really enjoyed collaborating with him on GMB. He was a sincerely kind person, and it was heartwarming to see him a few months ago when he shared news of his Parkinson’s diagnosis. He will be deeply missed.
Manchester City, the football club John Stapleton followed his whole life, announced: ‘Manchester City are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of John Stapleton, who was 79 years old.’
John was a devoted fan of Manchester City and often attended matches at the Etihad Stadium. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. We extend our heartfelt condolences to John’s family and friends during this incredibly sad time. RIP John. We are thinking of you all.
He supported City his entire life, ever since his father brought him to watch Sir Stanley Matthews play for Blackpool against them at their former Maine Road stadium in the 1950s.
As a lifestyle expert, I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of John Stapleton. Parkinson’s UK’s chief executive, Caroline Rassell, shared in a post that he was a truly wonderful man and broadcaster – a familiar voice and face to so many of us for decades. It’s a real loss, and our thoughts are with his family and friends. You can find more information about Parkinson’s UK and the work they do here.
As a lifestyle expert, I’ve always been fascinated by people’s journeys, and Stapleton’s is a great example! Right after leaving school in Manchester, at just 17 years old, he jumped into journalism. He started as a trainee reporter at the Eccles and Patricroft Journal, which was a fantastic way to learn the ropes. It’s inspiring to see someone start their career so young and with such dedication!
Starting with local newspapers, he eventually reached Fleet Street, where he worked as a reporter for the Daily Sketch. He then transitioned into roles as a researcher and script writer for the television program This Is Your Life.
He began his career at BBC Nationwide in 1975 as a reporter, and later became a well-known presenter for the program from 1997 to 1980.
He and his wife rose to fame in the 1980s as the hosts of the BBC show Watchdog, becoming well-known faces on television. He also presented other BBC programmes, including London Plus and Breakfast Time.
During the 1990s, he hosted the ITV discussion program The Time, The Place, remaining its presenter until 1998. That same year, he started presenting The News Hour on GMTV, alongside Penny Smith.
He anchored four US elections, the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami and Pope John Paul II’s funeral.
Although GMTV finished broadcasting in September 2010, Adrian Stapleton remained on television, hosting its follow-up programs, Daybreak and Good Morning Britain, until 2015.
Stapleton received the Royal Television Society’s News Presenter of the Year award for his reporting on the 2003 Iraq War and his conversations with the Prime Minister at the time, Tony Blair.
During an interview in 2008, he explained that the most rewarding aspect of his work was the ability to inform viewers of new developments, stating: ‘Being able to say, ‘While you have been asleep…’ – telling the viewer something they didn’t know when they went to bed.’
That, along with deployments to locations like Iraq, was incredibly demanding both mentally and physically, but also very exhilarating – particularly once it was finished.
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