BBC broadcaster John Stapleton announces he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease

The 78-year-old said he is "pragmatic about the prospect of this getting worse" as he shared the diagnosis John Stapleton has announced he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The 78-year-old is renowned for his role as a presenter is renowned for his role on Newsnight, Panorama and GMTV’s News Hour. The broadcasting legend shared his devastating diagnosis on BBC One's Morning Live.

He said: "Speaking is how I’ve earned my living for the best part of 50 years “It’s very frustrating sometimes, particularly (when) people are constantly saying to you ‘Sorry, what did you say?’ And you have to repeat yourself, time and time again. I am fairly pragmatic about the prospect of this getting worse. I try to remain positive, because what’s the point of not being?” According the the NHS, Parkinson’s disease is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years, with symptoms including tremors and slow movement.



The broadcaster's son, Nick, said that, while the diagnosis has been “really upsetting”, it did not come as a surprise because his grandmother also had the degenerative condition. Speaking about his mother, John said: “I witnessed my mother’s decline from this lively, ebullient, outgoing lady to a lady who is fairly fragile. “One of the practical problems she faced initially was her inability to do things like open a can of beans or peel a potato.

Believe it or not, I’m having the same problem, to some extent, myself right now.” In the clip, Nick talked to his father about the future and how he could best support him. John said: “I want to remain as independent as I can for as long as I possibly can.

“In terms of the house, I’d be very reluctant to leave it, which shall not surprise you at all.” He also told his son he would be OK with using a stairlift if necessary and that he would be reluctant to go into care, but is also “a realist”. The full film is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

Morning Live airs weekdays at 9.30am on BBC One and BBC iPlayer..