Eamonn Holmes has taken to social media to issue a statement in memory of legendary broadcaster John Stapleton on Sunday.

The veteran television presenter died at 79 years old following complications from pneumonia linked to his Parkinson’s condition. He died peacefully in the hospital early Sunday morning.

His representative, Jackie Gill, confirmed the news, stating: “John had Parkinson’s disease which was complicated by pneumonia.

“His son Nick and daughter-in-law Lisa have been constantly at his side and John died peacefully in hospital this morning.”

Mr Stapleton’s career saw him present across the BBC and ITV on some of the nation’s biggest news programmes.

During that time, he crossed paths with the People’s Channel’s very own Eamonn, who was one of the final broadcasters to conduct an interview with Mr Stapleton before his death.

During his final interview with Eamonn and his Breakfast co-star Ellie Costello earlier this month, Mr Stapleton was in high spirits as he explained his illness.

“I’ve got a thing called Parkinson’s disease, which is what they call a progressive illness, which is a polite way of saying it’ll only get worse, but I’m thinking positively about it,” he told Eamonn and Ellie in September.

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“I’m speaking as well as I can because I need a speech therapist to talk more slowly and more clearly.

“I also have difficulty swallowing, and the latest thing is I’ve had difficulty with my balance.”

Given he’d only spoken to Mr Stapleton earlier this month, Eamonn revealed the timing of his death proved to him “how fragile life is”.

“This was just over a month ago with me on @gbnews,” Eamonn penned on Instagram as he began his tribute to his broadcasting pal.

“How fragile life is. No way did he seem near to the end,” he added alongside a sad-looking emoji.

“Goodbye my old friend. One of the best,” Eamonn signed off, followed by a praying emoji.

Mr Stapleton established himself as a prominent figure in British broadcasting through his work on the likes of the BBC’s investigative series Newsnight and the long-running current affairs programme Panorama.

His television career also included hosting GMTV’s News Hour, where he became a familiar morning presence for viewers.

Additionally, he fronted the BBC’s consumer affairs programme Watchdog, further cementing his reputation as a trusted journalist.

Throughout his career, Mr Stapleton became recognised as a stalwart of television journalism, contributing to some of the most significant news and current affairs programmes in British broadcasting history.

The broadcaster had publicly disclosed his Parkinson’s diagnosis in October 2024. At the time, he told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “There’s no point in being miserable… It won’t ever change.”

He continued: “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.”

Eamonn will front a special edition of Breakfast on Monday alongside Penny Smith dedicated to their friend.