By Charlotte Smith

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Veteran broadcaster John Stapleton has sadly passed away at the age of 79, his agent confirmed to PA news agency. Known for his work on popular programmes such as the BBC’s Watchdog and GMTV’s News Hour, Stapleton died in hospital on Sunday morning.

His agent, Jackie Gill, said the broadcaster was surrounded by his family in hospital, reports Wales Online. He said: “His son Nick and daughter-in-law Lisa have been constantly at his side and John died peacefully in hospital this morning.”

Stapleton bravely revealed his battle with Parkinson’s disease back in October 2024. Speaking on ITV’s Good Morning Britain after sharing his diagnosis, 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.”

Later on Morning Live, Stapleton took on the challenge of learning to sing for BBC Children In Need. He mentioned that he was advised that singing might help with his symptoms, particularly his tremors.

Fellow television presenter Mark Austin expressed his sorrow over the loss of Stapleton, describing it as “incredibly sad”. Reacting to the news in a post on X, Austin wrote: “Incredibly sad. A good man and top presenter who could turn his hand to anything. Best wishes to his family.”

Good Morning Britain presenter Charlotte Hawkins said John Stapleton was a “brilliant broadcaster” and a “genuinely lovely man”. Responding to the news in a post on X, Ms Hawkins 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. 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.”

Born in Oldham in 1946, Stapleton began his career in newspapers before presenting BBC’s Panorama and Newsnight. He reported from trouble spots in the Middle East, El Salvador and Argentina during the Falklands War. He also presented Good Morning Britain. He returned to the BBC in 1986 to present the consumer show Watchdog alongside his wife, Lynn Faulds Wood, until 1993.

Jackie Gill confirmed that John had Parkinson’s disease, which was complicated by pneumonia, as the cause of his death. But what exactly is pneumonia and Parkinson’s disease?

What is Parkinson’s disease and its symptoms?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition characterised by the decline and death of brain cells that produce dopamine, an essential chemical for movement. The main symptoms consist of a tremor (shaking), reduced movement speed (bradykinesia), and muscle tightness (rigidity). The main symptoms include:

Tremor: Involuntary shaking or trembling, often starting in a hand or arm when it’s at rest. Slowness of movement (Bradykinesia): Physical movements become slower than normal, making everyday tasks difficult and potentially leading to a slow, shuffling walk. Rigidity: Muscles become stiff and inflexible, which can make it difficult to move and cause painful muscle cramps. Postural Instability: Difficulty with balance, which can lead to falls.

Other symptoms include motor problems, such as:

Difficulty starting movement or “freezing” of gait. Changes in handwriting (becoming smaller). A stooping or hunched posture. Difficulty speaking softly or with a breathy voice.

Non-motor symptoms include:

Anxiety, depression, or changes in thinking. Difficulty falling asleep or other sleep disturbances. Constipation, difficulty with swallowing or chewing, and skin problems.

Symptoms often start slowly or come on suddenly, can shift from one day to the next, and differ in both type and intensity from person to person.

What is pneumonia, and what are its symptoms?

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that leads to inflammation of the air sacs, causing them to fill with fluid or pus, making it hard to breathe. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and typically include a cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

Symptoms can vary depending on the cause and severity of the infection, but common signs include:

Cough: You may cough up mucus that can be yellow, green, or even bloodstained. Fever: A high temperature, possibly accompanied by sweating and shivering. Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless. Chest pain: Pain that may worsen with deep breaths. Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired or weak. Aching body: Muscle aches and pains. Loss of appetite: A reduced desire to eat. Wheezing: Making wheezing noises when you breathe.

Contact your doctor or seek urgent care if you experience worsening symptoms, such as:

Severe difficulty breathing. Severe, persistent chest pain. Confusion or feeling more drowsy than usual. Lips or skin turning pale, blue, or grey. Coughing up blood. Sudden worsening of symptoms after a cold or flu.

How can pneumonia make Parkinson’s disease worse?

Pneumonia can complicate Parkinson’s disease, worsening the condition by adding extra stress to a respiratory system that is already struggling. This makes it harder for patients to fight off the infection and clear mucus.

Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) and coughing associated with Parkinson’s exacerbate the situation, increasing the risk of aspiration and allowing the infection to worsen. This illness can lead to severe complications, longer hospitalisations, and a higher risk of mortality for people with Parkinson’s disease.