Dermot Murnaghan, one of Britain’s most recognisable television news presenters, has passed away aged 68 after a public and deeply moving journey with stage four prostate c@ncer.
Former Sky News broadcaster Dermot Murnaghan has died at the age of 68. Above: On Sky News in August 2025 in what was his first TV outing after his diagnosis
In 1997, he broke the news of the death of Princess Diana in a car crash in Paris to viewers of ITV
Dermot Murnaghan and wife Maria at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London in 2012
His family confirmed that the veteran broadcaster passed peacefully at his home in north London on Saturday morning, surrounded by those closest to him. In a statement, they thanked the medical teams who cared for him with sensitivity and compassion throughout his illness, as well as the many people who had sent kind messages over the past year.
For millions of viewers, Murnaghan was a steady, calm and trusted presence during some of the biggest moments in modern British news. Across more than 35 years on screen, he worked for Channel 4, ITV, the BBC and Sky News, building a reputation for clarity, warmth and authority under pressure.
His career placed him at the heart of several defining national moments. In 1997, he was the ITV presenter who told viewers that Diana, Princess of Wales, had d!ed following a car crash in Paris. More than 25 years later, in September 2022, he was on Sky News as the country learned of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing.
Dermot Murnaghan with his wife and four children, Jack, Alice, Molly and Kitty during a family holiday
Dermot Murnaghan with his wife and their three eldest children at a screening of Disney film Atlantis in 2001
Murnaghan was born in Barnstaple, Devon, on Boxing Day in 1957. At the age of four, the youngster had an eye operation to fix a squint
Dermot Murnaghan talking about his stage 4 prostate cancer diagnosis on the BBC in November, 2025
Murnaghan was not only associated with breaking news. He also became a familiar face in homes across Britain through lighter television work, most notably as the host of Eggheads. He presented the quiz show for 11 years, from 2003 to 2014, bringing his polished newsroom style into a very different kind of studio.
Born in Barnstaple, Devon, on Boxing Day in 1957, Murnaghan spent part of his childhood in Northern Ireland, growing up as the Troubles intensified. He later studied history at Sussex University, where he met his future wife, Maria Keegan. The couple married in 1989 and went on to have four children: Kitty, Molly, Alice and Jack.
After initially beginning postgraduate study, Murnaghan turned toward journalism, training at City University in London before starting his career in local newspapers. He moved into television through Channel 4 in the late 1980s and later joined ITV, where his calm delivery and quick command of breaking stories made him a standout presence.
He moved to the BBC in 2002, joining BBC Breakfast and forming a popular on-screen partnership with Natasha Kaplinsky. In 2007, he joined Sky News, where he remained for more than 15 years before signing off from his final show in 2023.
Reporting outside Buckingham Palace on the day Queen Elizabeth II died, on September 8, 2022
Murnaghan signing off at the end of his last shift on Sky News in 2023
On ITV’s iconic News At Ten in the 1990s
With ITV colleague Trevor McDonald launching the Evening News in 1999
In a promotional photo for 1990s ITV game show A Seat On The Board
With his co-presenter Mary Nightingale on ITV show Britain’s Most Wanted, in 2000
On an outdoors broadcast for The Big Story, 1997
Murnaghan and Natasha Kaplinsky became a famous BBC Breakfast duo
With BBC colleagues Jonathan Dimbleby (centre) and John Sergeant, the presenters of the Corporation’s 2001 General Election coverage
In the hot seat on game show Eggheads, which he presented from 2003 until 2014
Dermot Murnaghan alongside Suzi Perry as presenter of the revival of the hit game show Treasure Hunt
In June 2025, Murnaghan revealed that he had been diagnosed with stage four prostate c@ncer. He described the condition as incurable but not untreatable, and used his platform to send a direct message to men, especially those over 50, those in higher-risk groups or anyone experiencing symptoms: get tested.
His health update quickly became more than a personal announcement. It turned him into a powerful voice for awareness, early detection and routine screening. He repeatedly stressed that prostate c@ncer can sometimes progress without obvious warning signs, making testing and early checks vital.
After his diagnosis, he continued to speak openly and honestly, appearing on television to discuss why he had delayed getting tested because he had felt well. That honesty resonated with viewers, campaigners and colleagues, many of whom have said his message may have encouraged others to seek checks they might otherwise have put off.
Tributes have since poured in from across broadcasting, politics and health campaigning. Colleagues remembered him as sharp, charismatic, generous and calm under pressure. Prostate c@ncer charities also praised the impact of his campaigning, describing his honesty and courage as a source of hope for thousands of families.
Murnaghan was also a keen cyclist. Above: Warming up for an event for Comic Relief in 2022
In 2017 the newsreader was ‘wiped out’ by a driver while he was cycling
Away from the studio, Murnaghan was known as a keen cyclist and runner who completed several marathons. He also had a dramatic real-life rescue story, recalling how he once jumped into Lake Geneva during a filming trip to save a young boy from drowning.
His life and career combined serious journalism, public service, family devotion and a late mission to raise awareness about men’s health. For many viewers, he will be remembered as the presenter who guided the nation through historic moments with composure and humanity.
But beyond the headlines, his final public message may prove just as important as any broadcast he delivered: do not ignore your health, do not delay getting checked, and never assume feeling fine means everything is fine.
Dermot Murnaghan leaves behind his wife Maria, their four children, a remarkable broadcasting legacy and a message that could continue to help save lives long after his final sign-off.
