Paul O’Grady has said he “hated” being “rivals” with Richard Madeley during today’s This Morning.
The pair were reunited on Friday’s show when Paul appeared on the programme to chat to stand-in hosts Richard and his wife Judy Finnigan.
As the interview came to an end, Richard told Paul: “It’s lovely to see you again,” as he shook the presenter’s hand.
Read more: This Morning viewers divided as Richard and Judy return to show after 18 years
Paul said: “And you. It’s so odd I cannot tell you being here with you two again after all these years.”
Richard told him: “And also because professionally we became rivals because when we were doing our Channel 4 show at 5 o’clock, you were 5 o’clock on ITV.”
I did not like that. I felt uncomfortable.
For the Love of Dogs presenter Paul admitted: “I hated all that you know. I did not like that. I felt uncomfortable.”
Meanwhile, Richard and Judy returned to the daytime show after 18 years away.
The duo presented the daytime show when it launched in 1988 for 13 years before they handed over presenting duties in 2001.
Opening Friday’s show, Richard said: “It’s lovely to be back but it’s weird.”
Judy added: “It’s very weird.”
Many viewers were delighted to have them back and shared their thoughts on Twitter.
One person said: “Best day ever – the return of Richard & Judy on #ThisMorning LOVE THIS @richardm56.”
Another wrote: “Aww! Richard & Judy, back on #ThisMorning.”
However, others weren’t keen on having the pair back.
One added: “Some things should be left in the past #ThisMorning,” while another wrote: “#thismorning Richard and Judy are a bit rusty ain’t they.”
Last month, Judy and Richard expressed their excitement to be returning to This Morning.
The pair said in a statement: “This Morning holds a very special place in our hearts, so we couldn’t be more delighted to take the helm once again.”
This Morning Editor Martin Frizell added at the time: “The This Morning family, both in the studio and at home, have been wanting to see Richard and Judy guest present the show for a while now.
After 18 years – they’re back!
Join Richard and Judy live from 10.30 📺 pic.twitter.com/161Ll3pqgm
— This Morning (@thismorning) October 25, 2019
Read more: Richard Madeley’s big question to fans ahead of This Morning return
“The time finally felt right and we can’t wait to have these broadcasting legends back on the sofa.”
Meanwhile, earlier this week, the pair said: “We’re hugely looking forward to this. Probably the best moment will be when the opening music finishes, the red ‘live’ light glows – and you’re on!”
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