Renowned journalist John Stapleton, known for hosting shows like Newsnight, Panorama, GMTV, and Daybreak, revealed the heartbreaking news during Monday’s Morning Live in a new documentary.
BBC and ITV presenter John Stapleton shares Parkinson’s diagnosis
Broadcaster @JohnStapletonTV opens up about his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis alongside his son, Scam Interceptors’ @staplenick. They discuss how to approach difficult conversations with loved ones. To watch the full documentary, click here: https://t.co/0pzda9U67m pic.twitter.com/nmSypyOKX3
— BBC Morning Live (@BBCMorningLive) October 21, 2024
Speaking alongside his son, BBC presenter Nick Stapleton, John expressed, “Speaking has been my livelihood for nearly 50 years, and it’s quite frustrating at times, especially when people constantly ask you to repeat yourself.” He added, “I try to stay positive because what’s the use of being negative.”
In the documentary, John and Nick explore the challenges faced by the family following the diagnosis.
🟠 It’s great to be back!!!! On today’s show:
🩺 @JohnStapletonTV shares his Parkinson’s diagnosis
🏦 How to report bank scams
🏡 Last chance autumn garden jobs @MarkLaneTV
👩👧👧 @GethincJones @HelenSkelton
📺 9.30am @BBCOne or watch here:
👉 https://t.co/avbt1iM5Oa pic.twitter.com/9hde1dd5h9
— BBC Morning Live (@BBCMorningLive) October 21, 2024
Nick mentioned that it’s still “early days for us” and John is currently “fairly independent.”
He stated, “But I want to initiate these discussions now, to address potentially challenging topics upfront and make it easier for the future.”
Reflecting on his mother’s struggle with the condition, John acknowledged that he is now facing similar mobility challenges.
He mentioned that one of the main difficulties his mother faced was her “inability to do things like open a can of beans or peel a potato” – tasks he is now finding challenging.