Newsreader Dermot Murnaghan revealed last year that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer.
The broadcaster, 68, is best known for presenting several news programmes over the years on the BBC, Sky and Channel 4. He fronted BBC Breakfast between 2002 and 2007. He hosted the quiz show Eggheads too, between 2003 and 2014, before Jeremy Vine took over.
However, last summer, Dermot confirmed his cancer diagnosis in a statement shared on social media. Just before Christmas, he shared a fresh update, telling The Telegraph: “I wanted more time with my family.”
Dermot Murnaghan reveals cancer news
Last June, Dermot took to his X account and told his followers about his diagnosis.
“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,” he said.
Dermot added: “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.”
He continued: “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 – http://tourde4.com – in Glasgow in September – please support it and join us if you can. Take care, everyone, Dermot.”
‘I can’t take this lying down’
After Dermot’s announcement, fans soon shared some kind messages.
One person 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.”
Someone else 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 then replied: “Ha! I can’t take this lying down – I’m following @chrishoy’s example ( albeit at a hugely slower pace) Thanks.”
‘It blindsides you’
Christmas 2025 saw Dermot share another update, revealing that his cancer is incurable.
Speaking to The Telegraph, he said the moment he was handed the diagnosis, and had to tell his four grown-up children, felt like a “gut punch”.
He said: “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. There have been moments where I’ve had quite a lot of pain in my bones and my daughters have been helping me walk down the street, and I have caught sight of myself and thought, ‘Oh God, when did I become old?’”
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