No farewell fanfare. No scripted nostalgia. Just a moment to spotlight the man who shaped mornings for generations. As GMB prepares its tribute, viewers aren’t just remembering — they’re rediscovering the quiet force behind the headlines

ITV’s daytime programme Good Morning Britain has honoured the memory of television icon John Stapleton, who sadly passed away this weekend. The show plans to commemorate the broadcaster’s life in its next episode.

The esteemed journalist, known for his work on shows such as the BBC’s Watchdog and GMTV’s News Hour, passed away in hospital on Sunday morning at the age of 79, according to his agent who spoke to the PA news agency.

His agent, Jackie Gill, revealed that John had been battling Parkinson’s disease, a condition further 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.”

John publicly shared his Parkinson’s diagnosis in October 2024.

During an appearance on ITV’s Good Morning Britain after announcing his diagnosis, he expressed: “There’s no point in being miserable… It won’t ever change,” reports Wales Online.

“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.”

In the wake of his passing, the official Good Morning Britain Instagram account posted a photo of John along with a heartfelt tribute. It was also announced that Monday’s edition of the ITV show (September 22) will pay a special tribute to him.

The post stated: “Our friend and colleague John Stapleton died in hospital on Sunday morning at the age of 79.

“In a broadcasting career that spanned five decades, John Stapleton was one of ITV’s most trusted and respected news journalists and a much loved face of breakfast television.

“We are saddened to hear of his passing and we send our love and very deepest sympathies to his family and friends, as well as his many colleagues who will always remember him fondly. We will be paying tribute to him on tomorrow’s GMB.”

The tribute attracted numerous messages from admirers and former colleagues, with broadcaster Jenni Falconer commenting: “I remember meeting him just after starting at GMTV and I was in awe. He was an icon in his field and he made me feel so at home. A truly lovely man.”

Loose Women star Kaye Adams remarked: “A pleasure to know him , the loveliest of men.”

This Morning’s Kate Lawler also expressed: “Loved John.”

Former GMB journalist and This Morning Editor Martin Frizell posted a nostalgic photograph on Instagram featuring John alongside Martin’s wife Fiona Phillips and Kate Garraway whilst honouring his memory.

He penned: “What fun we had. Such sad news to hear that Stapes, as we called him, has passed away. He was a colleague and friend and a constant presence for a large part of my career, we covered stories together in Kosovo and Iraq, laughed and lunched – a lot.”