TV presenter Dermot Murnaghan dies at 68 after prostate cancer battle

Former BBC and Sky News presenter Dermot Murnaghan has died at the age of 68 after a "period of illness with prostate cancer", his family has announced.

The journalist, a long-time fixture on British TV, was also known for hosting the quiz show "Eggheads". Before joining Sky in 2007, Murnaghan was a main presenter on BBC Breakfast and often anchored the broadcaster's six o'clock and ten o'clock news programmes.

In 1997, he announced the death of Princess Diana live on ITV News, and in 2022 he broke the news of the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Sky News.

Murnaghan revealed in June last year that he had been diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer. At the time, he urged men over 50, in high-risk groups, or showing symptoms to get tested and campaign for routine prostate screening by the NHS.

In a statement posted on X on Saturday, his family said he passed away at home in north London earlier that morning, peacefully with his family at his side. They thanked the medical teams who cared for him and asked that anyone wishing to remember him consider supporting Prostate Cancer UK, Prostate Cancer Research, and North London Hospice.

Amy Rylance of Prostate Cancer UK called Murnaghan a passionate and dedicated supporter, saying his work had a huge impact on men affected by prostate cancer across the country.

Murnaghan's recent projects included Channel 5's true crime documentary series "Killer Britain" and the podcast "Legends of News", which released its last episode in January. He also made a cameo as a newsreader in the 2004 film "Wimbledon".

After his diagnosis, Murnaghan formed a bond with six-time Olympic gold medallist Chris Hoy, who also has terminal prostate cancer. Hoy advised him to think of treatment as helping to "punch the cancer back".

According to Prostate Cancer UK, about one in eight men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime, and the disease often has no symptoms in its early stages.

Murnaghan's funeral will be a small, family ceremony. A memorial service for friends and colleagues will take place at St Bride's Church on Fleet Street, known for its association with journalists, later this year.