The One Show's Roman Kemp halts show to share heartfelt tribute to 'legend'

During the latest instalment of The One Show, presenters Alex Jones and Roman Kemp paid a heartfelt tribute before the BBC programme drew to a close.

The episode, which saw Alex endure a major gaffe at the beginning,paused to honour the late broadcaster John Stapleton, who died over the weekend.

His representative, Jackie Gill, confirmed that the television legend had died 'peacefully' aged 79 in hospital.

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In a statement, which was issued on Sunday, it declared: "John had Parkinson's disease, which was complicated by pneumonia.

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

John was recognised for his work on GMTV, Breakfast Time and BBC's Watchdog, which Alex and Roman mentioned during Monday's instalment of The One Show, reports Wales Online.

As the programme neared its conclusion, Roman remarked: "Just before we go, over the weekend we heard of the sad news of former Watchdog presenter and broadcasting legend, John Stapleton died at the age of 79."

Alex continued: "Yeah, in 2013, John made a film for us when he went back to his childhood home in Saddleworth in Greater Manchester, where he had lots of fond memories and where he talked about how influential his parents were on his life and career. Here's one of the many lovely moments from that film."

BBC audiences then witnessed a clip from the footage featuring John, who revealed how he departed home at the age of 21 to chase his career in London.

The archived footage revealed John admitting that his parents wielded considerable sway over his journalism path.

He explained: "One of the things that appeals to me about being a journalist is the ability to stick up for the underdog, to challenge authority."

As the segment concluded, Alex remarked: "Our thoughts are, of course, with John's son Nick and all his family and friends. On Wednesday's Watchdog, Matt will be paying special tribute."

Following news of his death, heartfelt tributes have flooded in from John's former colleagues and mates, including Kate Garraway.

The Good Morning Britain presenter expressed: "Absolutely devastated to hear of the passing of my dear friend and journalistic hero #johnstapleton. Rock solid broadcaster and the ultimate gentleman."

Posting a picture of John's recent GB News appearance, Eamonn Holmes wrote on his Instagram: "This was just over a month ago with me on @gbnews. How fragile life is. No way did he seem near to the end. Goodbye my old friend. One of the best."

The One Show is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.