Dermot Murnaghan, one of the best-known news presenters on British television, has died at the age of 68. The journalist passed away at his home in North London, accompanied by his family, after suffering from prostate cancer.
Dermot Murnaghan, presenter for BBC and Sky News, dies at 68
Dermot Murnaghan died this Saturday at the age of 68, as confirmed by his family.
The journalist passed away in the morning at his North London home after a period of illness caused by prostate cancer. His family explained that he died peacefully and surrounded by his loved ones.
A five-decade career on television
Murnaghan worked for nearly five decades at some of Britain's leading media outlets.
He started in local press and later moved to Channel 4 News, ITV, BBC News, and Sky News. He was one of Sky's main presenters for 15 years, until his departure in 2023.
His sober style and his ability to remain calm made him a regular voice during elections, wars, political resignations, and major national events.
He presented BBC Breakfast and Eggheads
At the BBC, Murnaghan hosted the morning program BBC Breakfast alongside Natasha Kaplinsky.
He was also one of the faces of Eggheads, the general knowledge quiz show that pitted teams of contestants against a panel of experts.
His career combined traditional news, morning television, political interviews, and entertainment formats.
He delivered some of the most important news
Murnaghan reported on the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997 and announced the death of Queen Elizabeth II on Sky News in 2022.
He also covered general elections, international conflicts, and successive British political crises. In 1999, he received the Royal Television Society award for interviewer of the year.
His campaign against prostate cancer
The journalist received a diagnosis of advanced prostate cancer in late 2024.
After making it public, he began collaborating on campaigns to promote early detection tests. He advocated for the need to consult a doctor and request a PSA test, especially among men at higher risk.
He also participated in events to raise funds for Prostate Cancer UK and supported the creation of a national screening program.
Tributes to Dermot Murnaghan
Former colleagues have highlighted his precision, his composure on air, and his firmness during political interviews.
John Ryley, the former head of Sky News, described him as a central figure in the channel's ability to react to breaking news. Presenter Anna Botting recalled his thoroughness and his willingness to demand answers from those in power.
Murnaghan is survived by his wife, Maria, and their four adult children.