The 13-year run of the presenters of ITV’s This Morning came to an emotional end on Thursday as husband and wife team Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan bade farewell to the daytime TV institution.
Judy, unable to hold back tears, clutched a tissue as she said goodbye to the millions of viewers and fans who have faithfully tuned in to the show every morning. “We’ve loved you all very much and we’re going to miss you like hell. But we’ve got to go,” she said.
Highlights of the final two-hour show included a special edition of Family Fortunes hosted by Les Dennis in which Richard and Judy answered questions about the programme. Early in the show, pop star George Michael unexpectedly rang the phone-in. “I just wanted to say thank you very much for easing me into the day for about the past 10 years. You will be sorely missed in this household,” he informed the duo.
A montage of classic moments brought the show to an end as Richard and Judy shared a toast with their colleagues.
The couple’s warmth, humour and undeniable chemistry made them the reigning king and queen of daytime television. Their programme, a consistent ratings winner which seamlessly blended chat, live phone-ins, current affairs and human interest stories, was known for breaking new ground and not shying away from controversy.
“The best programmes and the ones that people love the most are the ones that people believe truly are theirs. That’s something everyone here has understood and that’s why it’s such a happy family. It’s been a marvellous 13 years,” said Richard.
Richard and Judy fans need not fret, however, as the pair have reportedly signed a two-year deal with Channel 4 to present a chat show which will be called Richard and Judy, a live daily entertainment show due to begin in the autumn. Permanent replacements for the couple on This Morning have yet to be announced.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
