TV presenter John Stapleton announces Parkinson’s disease diagnosis

TV presenter John Stapleton has revealed his diagnosis: Parkinson’s disease.

The 78-year-old, who has appeared on programs including Newsnight, Panorama and GMTV’s News Hour, said in a video clip on BBC One Morning Live that he was “pragmatic” about the prospect of the situation getting worse.

“Talking is how I made my living for the better part of 50 years,” he said.

“Sometimes it’s very frustrating, especially (when) people keep telling you, ‘I’m sorry, what did you say?’ And you will have to repeat yourself over and over again.

“I am quite pragmatic about the prospect of the situation getting worse. I try to stay positive because what’s the point of not being?”

His son Nick said while the diagnosis was “really upsetting”, it did not come as a surprise as his grandmother also had the degenerative disease.

According to the National Health Service (NHS) website, Parkinson’s disease is a condition in which parts of the brain are gradually damaged over many years, and symptoms include tremors and slow movement.

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Speaking about his mother, Stapleton said: “I witnessed the transformation of my mother from this lively, ebullient, outgoing woman to a woman who was quite fragile.

“One of the practical problems she faced initially was her inability to do things like open a can of beans or peel potatoes.

“Believe it or not, I have somewhat of the same problem right now.”

In the clip, Nick spoke with his father about the future and how he can best support him.

Stapleton said: “I want to stay as independent as I can for as long as I can.

“As for the house, I would hate to leave it, and this will not surprise you at all.”

He also told his son that he would agree to use the stair lift if necessary and that he would not want to go into care, but that he was 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.