Sky News anchor, Dermot Murnaghan, took to social media on Monday to confirm the sad news that he has been diagnosed with stage four advanced prostate cancer
Dermot Murnaghan is one of the UK’s most respected newsreaders, anchoring shows for both the BBC and Sky in his impressive career. However, sadly, the father-of-four, who shares children, Kitty, Molly, Alice and Jack, with his wife Maria, has today announced he’s been diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer as well wishes from his colleagues and fans pour in.
Dermot, 67, who insisted he was “responding positively” to treatment and “feeling well” is one of the most recognisable faces on TV. However, away from the news desk, he’s lead an incredibly busy life, including a successful stint on quiz show Eggheads, a surprising appearance on University Challenge – and a love of cycling, which unfortunately ended up in a hit and run…
READ MORE: Dermot Murnaghan’s health woes in full from pitbull horror to cancer diagnosis
Involved in a hit and run
Back in 2017, Dermot took a brief leave of absence from his Sky News show after being involved in a hit-and-run. He was knocked off his bike while cycling in Kentish Town in Northwest London, which left him grazed and bruised, but thankfully, okay.
Taking to Twitter, now X, with a photo of his bloodied face, Dermot wrote: “Here’s why I haven’t been on air for two days. A hit and run in Kentish Town yesterday. Police were fantastic.”.
The veteran broadcaster, who is a keen cyclist, received a ton of well wishes from his famous friends, who told the star they were thinking of him.
Former colleague and political editor, Tom Boadle, replied: “Good gritty look that. Hope it heals nice and quick!” Meanwhile, Sky’s Anna Jones, said: “Ouch! Hope you heal quickly, Dermot.”
Surprise appearance on University Challenge
Stepping away from the news desk, the seasoned journalist popped up on University Challenge in 2016 alongside a handful of University of Sussex alumni.
The star-studded series included a host of famous faces such as Jonathan Ross’ brother, Paul Ross, actress Rachael Stirling and comedian, Dom Joly. Sadly, Sussex, featuring Dermot, comedian Hattie Hayridge, principle of Edinburgh University Sir Timothy O’Shea, and barrister Alex Bailin, were rinsed when they lost 245 to 35 against Kent University.
Eggheads icon
Dermot was also part of another iconic quiz show, but fared much better when he returned to his presenting roots when he when hosted Eggheads on BBC Two from 2003 to 2014.
He delivered each question on the much-loved quiz show with a subtle smirk and his notorious catchphrase: “You’re playing for something money can’t buy – the Eggheads’ reputation,” which earned him a legion of loyal fans, who loved tuning into the show each evening.
True crime star
Dermot has delivered a whole host of crime stories as a newsreader. However, in 2020, he decided to take a closer look at the UK’s murky underworld in his documentary series Killer Britain with Dermot Murnaghan.
The series fascinated viewers with stories of rage, jealousy, obsession, deception and more as Dermot has unpacked some of the country’s biggest murder investigations.
The show, which sees Dermot delving into some of Britain’s most chilling murder cases, has run for four series on Sky, with a fifth starting in May 2025.
Arsenal fan
When he’s not reading the news to the nation, Dermot cheers on his beloved Arsenal football team. The proud Gooner wed his wife, Maria, in Camden, and still lives in North London close to the Emirates Stadium.
Speaking previously to The Standard about the place he calls home, he said: “We originally lived in Islington, but moved a little further north for more space and leafiness as the family grew — a classic north London migration. I had to stay within proximity of Arsenal, and I’m still walking distance from the Emirates.”
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