GMB's Richard Madeley's touching message to John Stapleton in first TV interview

Good Morning Britain's Richard Madeley had an emotional message for television legend John Stapleton.

John, a 78-year-old icon, appeared on the breakfast programme after announcing he had sadly been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. During the interview, John remained in positive spirits despite knowing there was currently no cure for his illness.

Before the discussion took place, chiefs paid tribute to John sharing a montage of his 50-year spanning career - with a number of old photos - showcasing his work on popular shows including Newsnight, Day Break, GMTV and Panorama.

The interview took an emotional turn, when host Richard hailed John for his decade-long contribution to television, telling him "you inspired me" as he paid personal thanks to him.

Richard said: "I used to watch you on Nationwide, that's when I first became aware of you as a presenter and you inspired me to get into television."

He continued with warmth in his voice: "I used to watch you thinking 'I want to do what he does'." John understood what Richard was talking about as he had also admired talk show host after attending college opposite the Manchester Granada studios.

Susanna also recalled a fond moment she had once shared with John, lightening the mood, she detailed a time when they'd both shared the screen together and she'd ended up suffering a wardrobe malfunction after "ripping a huge slit in her skirt". Everyone chuckled as she recalled the red faced blunder.

Speaking candidly to John and Susanna about his prognosis, John explained that his mother June, who sadly passed away in 2007, had suffered from the same disease - so he knew the signs and symptoms well.

The former Newsnight presenter explained how he'd first noticed symptoms two to three years ago after he developed a tremor - much like his mother. He went to see a doctor but was told it wasn't Parkinson's disease.

After continuing with treatment and "knowing he had it" John continued to press medics and sadly two months ago he was delivered the devastating news when they confirmed his tremor had progressed and he did have the condition.

In spite of the diagnosis, John remains in high spirits, praising his son Nick for his encouragement in helping him to speak out on the taboo subject, hoping that he might help others going through the same.

When asked by the hosts about how he was coping, the TV professional told them with a reassuring smile that he was getting on with his life. He said: "No point in being miserable it won't ever change anything."

Talking candidly about the condition, John gave insight about his own symptoms. Noting changes in his writing and voice while feeling "fatigued". He told Richard and Susanna that he is currently working with a "speech therapist" who was helping him to "talk louder".

GMB airs weekdays on ITV1, from 6am.