Veteran broadcaster Dermot Murnaghan has died at the age of 68, a year after revealing he had been diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer.
A statement on social media announcing his death reads: “It is with great sadness that the family of Dermot Murnaghan announces that he passed away at home in North London earlier this morning (11th July) at the age of 68 following a period of illness with prostate cancer. He died peacefully with his family at his side.
“The family wish to thank the medical teams who cared for Dermot with such sensitivity and extraordinary compassion throughout his illness.
“Also, for the many, many kind messages of goodwill that he received over the last year since his diagnosis of Stage IV prostate cancer and his subsequent campaigning to raise awareness for screening programmes for the disease.
“In accordance with his wishes, the funeral will be a small family ceremony. A memorial service for friends and colleagues will follow at St Bride’s Church, Fleet Street (the Journalists’ Church) later this year.
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“The family request that anyone wishing to remember him considers supporting Prostate Cancer UK, Prostate Cancer Research and North London Hospice so that others may benefit from the research and care he received.”
During his five decades on screen, Murnaghan, who was a journalist for the BBC, ITV, and Sky News, presented iconic programmes including TV Evening News and the BBC News at Six.
Last year, Murnaghan revealed that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer.
At the time, he said on social media: “I’m fortunate to have a simply outstanding medical team looking after me, who I can’t thank enough – they are administering the best possible care with expertise, compassion and sensitivity.”
He added: “I’m responding positively to their excellent treatment, and feeling well. I’m blessed to be fortified by the monumental love and support of my wife, family and close friends.”
Murnaghan went on to encourage others to be tested.
“Needless to say my message to all men over 50, in high risk groups, or displaying symptoms, is get yourself tested and campaign for routine prostate screening by the NHS,” he said.
“Early detection is crucial. And be aware, this disease can sometimes progress rapidly without obvious symptoms.”
Murnaghan started his career as a researcher at Channel 4, going on to become one of the lead presenters on Channel 4 Daily. He went on to join ITV, fronting various news programmes for the broadcaster.
From 2002 to 2007, Murnaghan was a main presenter on BBC Breakfast. He also co-presented the BBC News at Six, and fronted the BBC Two programme Eggheads.
Murnaghan later moved to Sky News, before his departure from Sky News Tonight in 2023.
He also fronted documentaries including Crimes That Shook Britain for Channel 5 and Killer Britain for the Crime + Investigation UK channel, as well as launching his own podcast, Legends of News.
