Good Morning Britain (GMB) stars are among those paying tribute to veteran broadcaster John Stapleton, who has died at the age of 79.
Presenter Charlotte Hawkins said Stapleton, known for hosting the likes of BBC’s Watchdog and GMTV’s News Hour, was a “brilliant broadcaster” and a “genuinely lovely man”.
Responding to the news in a post on X, she wrote: “So sad to hear John Stapleton – our ‘Stapes’ has died.
“He was such a brilliant broadcaster and I loved working with him on GMB.
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 ♥️
— Susanna Reid (@susannareid100) September 21, 2025
“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.”
GMB stars pay tribute to John Stapleton, who has died at the age of 79
Stapleton, who revealed his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease in October 2024, died in hospital on Sunday morning (September 21).
His agent, Jackie Gill, said: “John had Parkinson’s disease, which was complicated by pneumonia.
“His son Nick and daughter-in-law Lisa have been constantly at his side and John died peacefully in hospital this morning.”
Good Morning Britain Presenters Over the Years
GMB presenter Susanna Reid hailed Stapleton a “legend in broadcasting” as she also 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.”
Additionally, the ITV show’s co-creator Erron Gordon said Stapleton’s “versatility was unmatched”.
On X, Gordon wrote: “John Stapleton was one of the very best presenters I directed at GMTV and GMB.
“His versatility was unmatched, and 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.
So sad to hear that broadcaster John Stapleton has died at the age of 79. I met him on several occasions and he was a very nice man and a fine broadcaster. R.IP.
— Tony Blackburn OBE. (@tonyblackburn) September 21, 2025
“Each Christmas, he and Penny Smith would bring the crew presents, showing just how much he cared about the team. He was truly one of the good guys. Rest in peace, Stapes.”
Recommended reading:
Meanwhile, Manchester City said they were “saddened to learn that John Stapleton has passed away at the age of 79”.
The football club posted in a statement on X: “John was a passionate City supporter and a regular at the Etihad Stadium. He will be missed. Our thoughts are with John’s family and friends at this difficult time. RIP John.”
Radio DJ icon Tony Blackburn commented on the social media platform: “So sad to hear that broadcaster John Stapleton has died at the age of 79. I met him on several occasions and he was a very nice man and a fine broadcaster. R.IP.”
Share