13 hours ago
BBC News and ITN legend Dermot Murnaghan diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer
The former Sky News host has told fans he's been diagnosed with cancer and said he's taking inspiration for how to tackle his health battle from Sir Chris Hoy
Journalist Dermot Murnaghan has announced he's been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The former Sky News anchor told fans that he he's been undergoing treatment and responding well.
The TV newsreader, 67, also praised the 'outstanding medical team' who have been overseeing his health journey so far and issued a plea to other men to get checked out.
In a statement shared on social media, he confirmed his diagnosis, saying: "Some personal news……I've been diagnosed with Stage IV advanced prostate cancer 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.
"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."
Dermot was a familiar face on Sky News after he joined the team in 2007 and he fronted a host of high profile worldwide news events, including the death of the Queen in 2022, which he broke to the nation as the first broadcaster to share the news.
Last year Dermot, who also previously worked for BBC and Channel 4 News, as well as Independent Television News (ITN) Dermot announced he was moving on from Sky News last year.
Dermot, who also presented BBC Eggheads for 11 years, also revealed he's taking part in Sir Chris Hoy's charity fundraiser in Glasgow in September.
The Scots cycling legend, 49, is also battling prostate cancer. After sharing the news of his diagnosis last year, he then tragically revealed his condition is terminal and he has two - four years left to live.
Dermot went on to add: "Early detection is crucial. And be aware, this disease can sometimes progress rapidly without obvious symptoms. Details @ProstateUK @PCR_News. I'm aiming to take part in Sir Chris Hoy's fundraising charity bike ride - - in Glasgow in September - please support it and join us if you can. Take care, everyone, Dermot."
Dermot's former colleagues took to the comments section of his post to send their best wishes to the star with BBC News' Faisal Islam replying: "So sorry to hear that Dermot… great that you are trying to help others raise awareness. All the very best."
Scriptwriter Kathleen Beedles said: "I'm so sorry to hear this. Sending you love and all the best for your healing journey. I've always loved your work. Thank you for raising awareness and thinking of others at this difficult personal time." He replied: "Ah thanks Kathleen, I feel that all the enormous support I'm getting is a big part of that journey."
Sky's Breakfast Editor Thomas Newton added: "Really sorry to hear that, Dermot. But of course, true to form, jumping straight on the bike love that. Hope the ride goes well."
Dermot replied to Thomas, saying he intends to beat the disease.
He said: "Ha! I can't take this lying down - I'm following @chrishoy's example (albeit at a hugely slower pace). Thanks, Thomas."
Presenter Sophie Blake added: "I'm really sorry to hear this Dermot. As one Stage 4 patient to another, I've just passed three years of living with my diagnosis, and I've been working through a very memorable living list with family and friends. We've been having a blast! All the best for the bike ride."
Dermot recently revealed his new radio series, Dermot Murnaghan's Legends of News, as reports the Mirror.
His first show, which hit the airwaves last month, included an in-depth interview with John Sergeant.
Speaking about his new venture at the time, Dermot said: "My personal motivation for launching Legends has been stepping off the daily news wheel myself after 40 odd years before the mast and now fighting a health battle.
"Instead of attempting a probably little-read memoir, I decided to speak to those Legends – the colleagues and rivals that I've worked with over those decades – and tease out the stories of the mad world of broadcast news when it was in its pomp before it is subsumed by the new modes of communication."
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