FORMER Sky News presenter Dermot Murnaghan announced he has stage four prostate cancer, sharing his diagnosis in an emotional message.
The 67-year-old journalist – who anchored Queen Elizabeth‘s funeral coverage in 2022 – revealed his heartbreaking news to fans on social media.
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Dermot, who spent 16 years at the news channel before his departure in 2023, said he is “responding positively” to treatment.
The married dad-of-four wrote on X: “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.”
He also said that he is aiming to take part in Sir Chris Hoy’s fundraising charity bike ride in September which will raise awareness and funds for cancer charities across the UK.
Since he shared the news of his diagnosis, former colleagues have taken to social media to send their support.
“I’m so sorry to hear this. Sending you love and all the best for your healing journey. I’ve always loved your work,” said scriptwriter Kathleen Beedles.
Signs and symptoms of prostate cancer
Prostate cancer can be deadly, partly because it often has no noticeable symptoms in the early stages, making it difficult to detect until it has spread.
Symptoms usually only appear once the cancer has grown large enough to put pressure on the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the penis (urethra).
The NHS says there are seven symptoms of the disease – many of which could be overlooked:
- Needing to pee more frequently, often during the night
- Needing to rush to the toilet
- Difficulty in starting to pee (hesitancy)
- Straining or taking a long time while peeing
- Weak flow
- Feeling that your bladder has not emptied fully
- Blood in urine or blood in semen
It’s important to note these symptoms don’t always mean you have prostate cancer.
Many men’s prostates get larger as they get older because of a non-cancerous condition called benign prostate enlargement.
But with prostate cancer being one of the most common cancers in the UK, if you experience these symptoms you should see your GP.
In recent months, several celebrities have publicly revealed their diagnoses of prostate cancer, including six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy.
When Sir Chris Hoy was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer, he had no symptoms.
The sportsman revealed his terminal diagnosis in an interview with The Times last year.
He’s now advocating for increased awareness and early detection of prostate cancer.
She added: “Thank you for raising awareness and thinking of others at this difficult personal time.”
The 67-year-old presenter spent 16 years at the helm of Sky News Tonight.
He started his career as a researcher at Channel 4, and climbed the ladder to the top of his field.
Dermot enjoyed an incredible career which has seen him broadcast on all the major news channels and covered some of the biggest stories of his time.
He led Sky News’s coverage of the Queen’s passing and also broke the devastating news of Princess Di’s death.
During his time, he also covered the 2019 general election, the funeral of Prince Philip and the 2020 US presidential election.
He left Sky News in 2023 after an impressive 16 years on air.
Dermot drew applause from his co-stars and crew as he hosted the news programme for the final time.
In his closing speech, the veteran broadcaster said: “Finally, as the saying goes, some news about me.
“After 15 years this is my final programme for Sky News, the best organisation in the UK, which you already know for its coverage and analysis and also its dedicated, inventive, hard-working staff, so many of whom have become close friends.
“And I want to say thanks to you all for putting up with me and supporting me so resolutely through elections, resigning prime ministers and monarch’s funerals but of course, my greatest thanks goes to you, the viewers.”
He signed off his final ever broadcast on the news channel with a nod to Will Ferrell’s legendary character of Anchorman.
Before joining Sky News, he presented ITV’s News At Ten and the BBC Ten O’Clock News – now known as BBC News At Ten – as well as Channel 4 News.
He also hosted the BBC’s quiz programme Eggheads and presented Sky News At Ten and talk show Murnaghan before his last role at the channel as a newsreader on Sky News Tonight.
The news anchor wed his wife Maria Keegan in Camden back in 1989.
They live in North London and have four children together.
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