Former BBC, ITV and Sky News presenter Dermot Murnaghan, who has tragically died at the age of 68 after battling prostate cancer, emotionally opened up about his regrets over not getting diagnosed sooner.
Dermot Murnaghan and his daughter
Dermot Murnaghan has died aged 68, just one year after he announced his stage four prostate cancer diagnosis, with his family confirming the sad news in a post on his X account.
The statement read: “It is with great sadness that the family of Dermot Murnaghan announces that he passed away at home in North London earlier this morning. He died peacefully with his family at his side.”
Dermot leaves behind his wife Maria and their four grown-up children, Kitty, Molly, Alice, and Jack.
Back in 2025, the former BBC Breakfast and Sky News presenter shared a devastating insight into his diagnosis and fears for his family, which he described as being “like a gut punch”.
Reflecting on the moment he told his loved ones the news, the journalist told The Telegraph: “It blindsides you. It was coming up to Christmas and the children were all coming home.
“It’s like a gut punch. I can only imagine the effect on them. A huge part of the mental process [of dealing with this] for me is asking [myself], ‘What have you laid on them, you fool?’
“If only I had got diagnosed at an earlier stage, all that hurt and worry I could have saved them. I can’t take it away, but they are coping really well. They’ve been beyond excellent to me.”
Dermot also told the publication that he received the diagnosis at around the same time he had made the decision to prioritise his family life over his professional commitments.
He admitted: “I wanted more time with my family, more time to travel and just that feeling of waking up in the morning, drawing back the curtains and feeling free.”
At the time when he confirmed his cancer news last summer, Dermot informed fans that he was “responding positively” to treatment and “feeling well”.
The TV presenter also urged men to get tested for prostate cancer, adding: “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.”
Dermot was a lead anchor for Sky News for 15 years until his departure in 2023. Prior to this, he presented the news for Channel 4, ITV and the BBC, as well as hosting the popular quiz show Eggheads.
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