Broadcaster John Stapleton has died, his agent has said.
The 79-year-old, who had Parkinson’s disease complicated by pneumonia, died peacefully in hospital this morning.
Stapleton was known for his work on programmes such as Newsnight, Panorama and GMTV’s News Hour. He was among Sky News’ original presenters.
Stapleton’s agent, Jackie Gil, said: “His son Nick and daughter-in-law Lisa have been constantly at his side and John died peacefully in hospital this morning.”
In October last year, Stapleton opened up about his Parkinson’s diagnosis, a condition his mother also had.
“I am fairly pragmatic about the prospect of this getting worse,” he said. “I try to remain positive, because what’s the point of not being?”
In a BBC interview, he said: “Speaking is how I’ve earned my living for the best part of 50 years.
“It’s very frustrating sometimes, particularly (when) people are constantly saying to you, ‘sorry, what did you say?’ And you have to repeat yourself, time and time again.”
Stapleton’s career began at local papers in the North West and would last more than 50 years.
In 2004, he was named the Royal Television Society’s presenter of the year for his work on the Iraq War and interviewing the likes of former prime minister Sir Tony Blair.
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