Early-morning TV viewers have praised Richard Madeley’s “relaxed” approach as he stepped into the Good Morning Britain studio as guest host.
The presenter, best-known as one half of TV duo Richard & Judy, with wife Judy Finnigan, started the week with a 3.30am alarm as he began his stint filling in for ITV breakfast show regulars Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid.
Up at 3.30 to come in and Co host Good Morning Britain. Streets deserted. V strange. On air 6am. Looking 4rd to it.
— Richard Madeley (@richardm56) August 17, 2017
The pair presented the channel’s later-morning chat show This Morning when it first launched in 1988 until 2001 and Madeley is a familiar face on The Wright Stuff.
His temporary GMB appearance alongside Kate Garraway follows last week’s guest Jeremy Kyle, who brought his signature cutting comments and direct questions to the role.
We have a breakfast legend in the building. @richardm56 on @GMB @kategarraway pic.twitter.com/cZcrY6fcm9
— Sean Fletcher (@SeanFletcherTV) August 17, 2017
Welcoming the change, one viewer commented on Twitter: “Best presenter by far-can’t you be permanent? Last time saw you was in a restaurant in St Paul, you look as relaxed on TV as you did then.”
Best presenter by far-can’t you be permanent? Last time saw you was in a restaurant in St Paul, you look as relaxed on TV as you did then 👊
— Serendipity Scents (@SScentsUK) August 17, 2017
Another wrote: “So lovely to have a much calmer voice this week instead of Jeremy Kyle constantly shouting your a joy!” while one added: “Nice to see you back maybe others can learn from your professional approach and stop shouting over guests and co presenters!”
So lovely to have a much calmer voice this week instead of Jeremy Kyle constantly shouting your a joy! X 😘
— angela martin (@AngieMartin25) August 17, 2017
Nice to see you back maybe others can learn from your professional approach and stop shouting over guests and co presenters!!
— anne richardson (@arichardson00) August 17, 2017
Among the 61-year-old’s most dedicated fans, one commented: “What a great job on @gmb today, so good to see you and looking as sexy as ever, please take the job permanently, looking forward to tomoro.”
What a great job on @gmb today, so good to see you and looking as sexy as ever, please take the job permanently, looking forward to tomoro
— Christine (@chrisdoris53) August 17, 2017
Madeley previously commented on the job: “I’ve known Piers for 30 years so sitting in for him on GMB is an excellent opportunity to gather some inside information on him which I will unhesitatingly use to wind him up afterwards.
“Seriously though, I’m looking forward to it immensely and after all those years on This Morning the early starts will seem like old times.”