John Stapleton, the respected British journalist and broadcaster, sadly passed away on 21 September 2025 at the age of 79. He was best known for his work on ITV breakfast television—TV-am, GMTV, and Daybreak—as well as BBC’s Nationwide and Watchdog, which he co-hosted with his wife Lynn Faulds Wood until her death in 2020.
📰 Career Highlights
- Began in local journalism in Oldham before moving to Fleet Street.
- Became a household name through Nationwide, Panorama, Newsnight, and Watchdog.
- Won the Royal Television Society’s News Presenter of the Year award in 2003 for his coverage of the Iraq War.
- Known for his versatility, integrity, and warmth both on and off screen.
💙 Personal Life & Legacy
- Stapleton revealed his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2024 and spoke candidly about living with the condition4.
- His son Nick Stapleton, also a broadcaster, shared heartfelt tributes, describing him as “unbelievably generous” and “a loving man”.
- Colleagues like Kate Garraway, Charlotte Hawkins, and Martin Lewis praised his professionalism and kindness, calling him a “journalistic hero” and “rock solid broadcaster”5.
- A passionate Manchester City supporter, the club also paid tribute to his memory
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