John Stapleton
London-based broadcaster John Stapleton, known for his work on BBC’s Watchdog and ITV’s GMTV, passed away peacefully in hospital today. The news was announced by his agent, Jackie Gill, who said his son Nick and daughter-in-law Lisa were by his side as reported by The Times.
Stapleton had publicly revealed his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in October 2024 during an interview. According to the announcement, his condition was made worse by pneumonia, which led to his passing. Over recent months he had faced increasing difficulty with symptoms related to the illness, including tremors and reduced ability in daily tasks.
His career spanned more than five decades in television journalism and broadcasting. Early in his career, he worked on local newspapers before moving to television. He became familiar to many through Watchdog, GMTV’s News Hour, Panorama, and numerous appearances on breakfast television. He was widely respected for his calm style, clarity of reporting, and his ability to connect with audiences.
Stapleton’s wife, Lynn Faulds Wood, who co-presented Watchdog with him in the 1980s, died in 2020. They had been a well-known presenting duo, with their work together helping to shape British consumer affairs broadcasting. His son Nick has spoken in previous interviews about how his father adapted to the changes in his voice, handwriting, and health with dignity and pragmatism.
Colleagues and admirers have already begun paying tribute. Many remembered Stapleton as a “kind, generous, and principled” figure in broadcasting. Social media and TV personalities have expressed sorrow and respect, noting his professionalism and the warmth he showed to fellow staff and viewers alike.
