BBC Morning Live's Gethin Jones opens show with 'very sad' news as he pays tribute to 'friend'

Gethin Jones appeared visibly moved as he started Monday's BBC Morning Live with some devastating news.

Gethin and Louise Minchin revealed they would be devoting part of the programme to honour broadcaster John Stapleton, who died over the weekend.

John's representative confirmed the tragic news in a statement,saying: "John had Parkinson's disease, which was complicated by pneumonia.

• Jay Slater's haunting final message that was never received by his pal revealed
• Last Jay Slater CCTV before he went missing finally released raising more questions

"His son Nick and daughter-in-law Lisa have been constantly at his side, and John died peacefully in hospital this morning."

Opening Monday's programme, Gethin said: "We are celebrating the life of our friend and legendary presenter, John Stapleton," reports Wales Online.

"For over four decades, he brought us the stories that mattered and, more recently, shared his Parkinson's diagnosis with us on Morning Live.

"Today, we pay tribute to John."

Following the introduction of their guests for the programme, which featured Louise's former BBC Breakfast colleague Dan Walker, Louise said: "First, today, we are talking about the sad news that on Sunday, our friend and legendary broadcaster John Stapleton died in the hospital."

Gethin went on: "He was a huge part of the Morning Live family, of course, alongside his son Nick.

"Back in October 2024, they shared with us that John had been diagnosed with Parkinson's. John talked about adapting to life with the condition, and he was talking about the support available."

Louise concluded: "So, today we celebrate John's life and his incredible legacy."

The programme went on to broadcast several clips featuring John and highlights from his television career.

During the handover between BBC Breakfast and Morning Live, Gethin also delivered a heartfelt tribute to John.

He told Sally Nugent and Jon Kay, "We've had so many messages like you already this morning talking about John, a friend, legendary broadcaster.

"And as you know, John was a big part of the Morning Live family, and alongside his son, Nick, he openly shared his Parkinson's diagnosis with us.

"And as you just said, there, Jon, the Stapleton effect, wasn't it? So today, we're going to take a look back at John's incredible career and his lasting legacy."

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