BBC broadcaster John Stapleton issues 'difficult' health update
After announcing he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in October 2024. legendary TV presenter John Stapleton has been open about his battle and how his life has changed since. The 79-year-old is renowned for his role on Newsnight, Panorama and GMTV's News Hour.
The broadcasting legend shared his devastating diagnosis on BBC One's Morning Live. 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. I am fairly pragmatic about the prospect of this getting worse. I try to remain positive, because what's the point of not being?'
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According the the NHS, Parkinson's disease is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years, with symptoms including tremors and slow movement.
Appearing on Morning Live yesterday, June 25, John shared a health update. He told presenters: "Still got a tremor, which is difficult, makes dressing difficult, a bit of a challenge some mornings. The speech is another problem because you may be able to hear me now loud and clear. I hope you can at least.
"But if I go into a room when there's ambient noise like a pub, which I do occasionally frequent as you may know, I sometimes have to repeat myself and it sometimes gets a bit monotonous and a bit frustrating. My limbs are getting stiffer."
He added that he is finding the use of the left side of his body difficult and he can't grip things with his left hand. In an emotional admission, he said he is "losing balance" from time-to-time so he has to be careful when walking up and down stairs and getting up too quickly as he might "fall over".
Staying positive about his situation he told presenters that aside from the diagnosis, life is a "barrel of laughs". John's mum had Parkinson's so he saw first hand what can happen to people. He described his mum being a "brilliant and outgoing lady" to one who was a "prisoner" in her own home.
He continued: "A lot of people live normal lives with Parkinson's, research is going on all the time. So think positive, I am doing the best I can I have a speech therapist who is helping me."
BBC Morning Live uploaded a segment of the interview to Instagram. Broadcaster Lucy Meacock commented: "One of the loveliest people you could ever meet. A fine journalist, a brilliant broadcaster & a wonderful person.
"I was lucky enough to present with John at the BBC for London Plus many years ago. He was a complete joy to work with always. Huge respect to him for raising awareness of Parkinson's - a great interview."
According to the NHS, the symptoms of Parkinson's disease usually develop gradually and are mild at first. The main symptoms of Parkinson's disease affect physical movement:
tremor – shaking, which usually begins in the hand or arm and is more likely to occur when the limb is relaxed and resting
slowness of movement (bradykinesia) – physical movements are much slower than normal, which can make everyday tasks difficult and result in a distinctive slow, shuffling walk with very small steps
muscle stiffness (rigidity) – stiffness and tension in the muscles, which can make it difficult to move around and make facial expressions, and can result in painful muscle cramps (dystonia)
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