BBC The One Show star issues tribute to 'hero' after tragic death

The One Show paid a heartfelt tribute to a beloved BBC legend on Wednesday, with Matt Allwright discussing the death of a "personal hero".

Matt, recognised for presenting Watchdog, appeared on The One Show to discuss the loss of journalist John Stapleton, who tragically died on 21 September.

John served as a reporter and presenter on ITV programmes including GMTV and Daybreak, whilst also presenting Watchdog and Nationwide for the BBC. From 1986 to 1993, he fronted Watchdog alongside his wife, Lynn Faulds Wood.

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"He's a personal hero to me," Matt began. "He and Lynn made this incredible team together."

Discussing the pair's contributions to Watchdog, Matt continued: "She would be out there on the streets knocking on doors, focusing on product safety.

"Whereas John, and the team, would be looking forensically into the deals that companies were offering us and picking them apart to work out where the discrepancies [were], whether they were being completely honest with us."

Matt added: "It was so powerful. It set the standard for Watchdog. The rest of us have to try and live up to that."

Expanding on his tribute, Matt spoke about John's personality and expressed his condolences to his family, particularly his son Nick, reports Wales Online.

"But, the other thing about John, was that he was terrific fun. When we were filming Watchdog, we could call on him from time to time, and say 'Do you fancy being part of a film?'" Matt continued.

"A great fella, and a tremendous loss to us. Obviously, love to Nick his son."

The One Show's Alex Jones commended Matt's heartfelt words, saying: "That was a lovely tribute, Matt. Thank you so much. He will be missed, of course."

John revealed last year that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. He sadly passed away in hospital on 21 September, at the age of 79, due to complications from pneumonia related to his condition.

He is survived by his son, Nick, whom he had with his wife Lynn. Tragically, she passed away from a stroke in 2020 at the age of 72.

The One Show airs on weekdays on BBC One from 7pm