Dermot Murnaghan, 67, diagnosed with ‘advanced prostate cancer’ as former Sky News star issues heartbreaking statement
Veteran broadcaster Dermot Murnaghan has announced he has been diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer though a heartbreaking statement on social media.
The 67-year-old former ITV, BBC, and Sky News presenter shared the news in a statement on X, telling followers: “Some personal news……I’ve been diagnosed with Stage IV advanced prostate cancer.
He expressed gratitude for the medical team supporting him, adding: “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.”
Murnaghan added: “I’m responding positively to their excellent treatment, and feeling well.”
Murnaghan, who spent 16 years as one of Sky News’ lead anchors, also spoke about the support he has received from loved ones.
He wrote: “I’m blessed to be fortified by the monumental love and support of my wife, family and close friends.”
He went on to urge men to prioritise their health, stating: “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.”
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Murnaghan added that he is hoping to take part in a charity bike ride in September organised by Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy, who also has prostate cancer.
The Tour De 4 ride aims to change the perception of people living with stage four cancer.
Prostate cancer develops in a walnut-sized gland located just below the bladder, and is most common in older men, especially those over 75.
Symptoms can include difficulty urinating, a weak urine flow, or blood in urine or semen.
At stage four, the cancer has spread to other areas of the body, and roughly half of men survive for five years or more after diagnosis.
Murnaghan began his broadcasting career at Channel 4 News before presenting programmes including The Big Story and News at Ten on ITV between 1993 and 1997, as well as the channel’s Evening News and Nightly News from 1999 to 2001.
In 2002, he joined the BBC, serving as one of the main hosts of BBC Breakfast, the Six O’Clock News and the Ten O’Clock News.
He also presented the popular BBC Two quiz show Eggheads for 11 years from 2003, and was one of the best-known faces of Sky News from 2007 until 2023.
More recently, Murnaghan has hosted documentaries including Crimes That Shook Britain for Channel 5 and Killer Britain for the Crime + Investigation channel.
He currently presents the podcast Legends of News, where he interviews veteran journalists and correspondents about their careers and the biggest stories they have covered.