BBC broadcaster John Stapleton announces Parkinson's diagnosis

October 22, 2024
BBC broadcaster John Stapleton announces Parkinson's diagnosis

Broadcaster John Stapleton has revealed his diagnosis with Parkinson's disease.

Stapleton, 78, who has presented on programmes including Newsnight, Panorama and GMTV’s News Hour, said in a video clip on BBC One’s Morning Live that he is "pragmatic" about the prospect of it getting worse.

The Newsnight presenter 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?"

The Panorama presenter's son Nick said that whilst the diagnosis has been "really upsetting" it did not come as a surprise because his grandmother also had the degenerative condition.

Source: Press Association