Veteran BBC presenter John Stapleton reveals Parkinson’s diagnosis
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John Stapleton has received a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.
The 78-year-old broadcaster, recognized for hosting shows like Newsnight, Panorama, and GMTV's News Hour, revealed the news during an appearance on BBC One's Morning Live.
Parkinson's is a neurological condition that leads to involuntary or uncontrollable movements, including tremors, rigidity, and challenges with maintaining balance and coordinating movements. Typically, the symptoms of the disease tend to worsen as time goes on.
In a conversation with his son, Nick Stapleton, the presenter shared, “For nearly five decades, I've made my living through speaking, and it can be really frustrating at times—especially when people keep asking, ‘Excuse me, what did you say?’ Having to repeat myself over and over again gets tiresome.”
He mentioned, "I'm quite practical about the possibility of things getting worse. I focus on staying optimistic, because there's really no reason not to be."
Nick mentioned that it was still “the initial stages” of his father's diagnosis and noted that Stapleton remains “quite independent.”
He added, "Still, I believe it's important to begin discussing these issues now, to tackle some challenging subjects upfront and make things smoother for the future."
In a discussion on Morning Live about his diagnosis, Stapleton shared that his mother also suffered from Parkinson's disease, and now he is facing similar issues with his mobility.
He mentioned, "Having received an early diagnosis and witnessing what my mother went through has really helped me. It allows me to approach the situation in a practical and realistic way and make sensible plans for the future."
Georgina Jones, a senior care advisor from Parkinson's UK, joined the show to offer Nick guidance on how to talk to his father about his future care needs as his condition deteriorates.
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"It's focusing on the kind of support a person might require instead of just the care they need. It begins by considering their preferences and the challenges they face," she stated.
People often require various tools and devices at home. Taking small actions can lead to bigger decisions, like whether someone needs to sell their house or relocate.
Fans quickly expressed their support for Stapleton after he made his announcement. “He’s one of the best broadcasters I’ve seen in my lifetime; I'm really sorry to hear this and wishing him all the best,” one user posted on X/Twitter.
"An outstanding broadcaster," another viewer remarked.
