TV presenter reveals stage four cancer

TV presenter Dermot Murnaghan has revealed he has been diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer.

The former ITV, BBC and Sky News journalist, 67, said he was “responding positively” to treatment and was “feeling well”.

“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 wrote on X.

Murnaghan presented the main news programmes on ITV and the BBC before spending 16 years as one of Sky’s lead anchors, and has also hosted BBC Two quiz show Eggheads.

His post started: “Some personal news……I’ve been diagnosed with Stage IV advanced prostate cancer.”

He continued: “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.

“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.

“Early detection is crucial. And be aware, this disease can sometimes progress rapidly without obvious symptoms.”

He added that he is hoping to take part in a charity bike ride organised by Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy, who also has prostate cancer, in Glasgow in September.

Murnaghan started his career at Channel 4 News before fronting ITV programmes including The Big Story and the News at 10 from 1993-97, and the channel’s Evening News and Nightly News from 1999-2001.

He moved to the BBC in 2002, as one of the main hosts of BBC Breakfast, the Six O’Clock News and the Ten O’Clock News.

He also presented Eggheads for 11 years from 2003, and was one of the faces of Sky News from 2007-23.

He has also hosted the documentaries Crimes That Shook Britain for Channel 5, and Killer Britain for the Crime + Investigation UK channel.