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Former Watchdog presenter Lynn Faulds Wood dies aged 72

Lynn Faulds Wood has died at the age of 72. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Lynn Faulds Wood has died at the age of 72. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Former Watchdog presenter and cancer campaigner Lynn Faulds Wood has died at the age of 72.

A statement from her family confirmed she died peacefully on Friday after "having suffered a massive stroke last night and a subsequent bleed on the brain".

The journalist's husband, John Stapleton, and her son Nick were by her side when she passed.

Faulds Wood hailed from Glasgow and was best known for hosting BBC consumer rights programme Watchdog from 1985 and 1993 alongside her spouse.

Portrait of television presenters Lynn Faulds Wood and John Stapleton on the set of the BBC show 'Watchdog', November 20th 1989. (Photo by Don Smith/Radio Times/Getty Images)
Portrait of television presenters Lynn Faulds Wood and John Stapleton on the set of the BBC show 'Watchdog', November 20th 1989. (Photo by Don Smith/Radio Times/Getty Images)

While working on the show, she was diagnosed with stage three bowel cancer.

In 1996 while working for ITV she fronted Bobby Moore and Me, an investigation into bowel cancer which saw her delve into her own experience of the disease.

Tributes poured in for Faulds Wood upon the news of her death, with ITV journalist Richard Gaisford tweeting: “Deeply saddened to hear that Lynn Faulds Wood has died. A tireless campaigner for UK consumers and for bowel cancer awareness. A legendary broadcaster too.

“Such a horrible shock. Love and thoughts with her husband @JohnStapletonTV and their son Nick.”

Meanwhile, BBC newsreader Sophie Raworth wrote: “I have known Lynn since I was 14. She inspired me to become a journalist. She has lived next door to my parents for decades.

Lynn Faulds Wood (right) and John Stapleton (left) attending the From Selfie to Self-Expression exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in London. (Photo by Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images)
Lynn Faulds Wood (right) and John Stapleton (left) attending the From Selfie to Self-Expression exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in London. (Photo by Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images)

“She has been the most wonderful, generous, kind friend to me and my family for such a long time. Can’t believe she has gone.”

Nicky Campbell, who hosted Watchdog from 2001 to 2009 said he had “aspired to her legacy” while working on the programme.

“I’m so sad to hear about the death of the brilliant campaigning journalist and fearless consumer champion Lynn Faulds Wood,” he shared.

“She was the real thing. She cared genuinely and passionately about people and their rights.When I joined Watchdog hers was the legacy we all aspired to. RIP.”