Kate Garraway has expressed profound grief following the passing of veteran broadcaster John Stapleton, sharing an emotional Instagram tribute alongside a photograph of them presenting together on GMTV.

The 58-year-old presenter described Mr Stapleton as her “dear friend and journalistic hero,” calling him a “rock solid broadcaster and the ultimate gentleman.”

In her heartfelt message, Ms Garraway recalled Mr Stapleton’s early journalism days at the Yorkshire Post, including his first solo shift when he received a police call about dredging the moors for suspected murder victims’ bodies.

She praised him as the most generous broadcasting partner who always elevated his colleagues, describing him as “fair, truthful and honourable.”

Ms Garraway fondly remembered his storytelling abilities, writing that “no one told a story down the pub better than John.”

The 79-year-old broadcasting veteran passed away peacefully in hospital on Sunday morning, with his son Nick and daughter-in-law Lisa maintaining a constant vigil at his bedside.

His agent, Jackie Gill, confirmed that Mr Stapleton’s death resulted from pneumonia complications arising from his Parkinson’s disease.

The announcement came approximately one year after the GMTV and Daybreak presenter publicly disclosed his Parkinson’s diagnosis during an appearance on BBC One’s Morning Live.

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Mr Stapleton’s passing marks the end of a remarkable broadcasting career that spanned several decades across multiple networks.

His death leaves behind a significant legacy in British television journalism, with the presenter having become a familiar face to millions through his work on breakfast television and consumer programming.

Fellow Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid paid tribute to Mr Stapleton as “a legend in broadcasting” and “the consummate pro,” noting he was always good-humoured and gracious to work alongside.

Ms Reid emphasised his significance to GMB’s history and television broadcasting overall, extending condolences to his family.

Charlotte Hawkins, another GMB colleague, affectionately referred to Mr Stapleton as “Stapes” and praised his brilliance as a broadcaster.

She recalled his recent studio visit just months ago, when he discussed his Parkinson’s diagnosis, describing him as genuinely lovely to work with.

Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis, a frequent GMB contributor, acknowledged Mr Stapleton and his late wife Lynn as pioneering figures in consumer journalism who paved the way for others in the field.

Mr Stapleton’s illustrious career began at the Yorkshire Post before he transitioned to television, becoming a prominent figure on BBC’s Panorama and Newsnight during the early 1980s.

So so sad to hear of John Stapleton’s death. He was a legend in broadcasting, the consummate pro and always good-humoured and gracious to work with. A huge part of GMB’s story and television history. Sending love to John’s family ♥️

— Susanna Reid (@susannareid100) September 21, 2025

He reported from conflict zones including the Middle East, El Salvador and Argentina during the Falklands War.

The Oldham-born journalist later co-presented the BBC’s consumer programme Watchdog with his wife Lynn Faulds Wood from 1986 to 1993.

He subsequently hosted ITV’s discussion programme The Time, The Place until 1998, when he joined GMTV’s News Hour alongside Penny Smith.

Mr Stapleton became a special correspondent for Daybreak in 2010 after GMTV’s closure, continuing with Good Morning Britain when it launched as Daybreak’s replacement. He departed the breakfast programme in 2015 after decades of morning television broadcasting.

Mr Stapleton publicly revealed his Parkinson’s diagnosis in October 2024, maintaining a remarkably positive outlook about his condition