Richard Madeley has revealed he doesn't want a more prominent position on Good Morning Britain, as he discussed his on-screen future. The 70-year-old has been a presenter for five decades, launching his career in radio before transitioning to daytime television. Among his most recognised roles is hosting This Morning with his wife, Judy Finnigan, from 1988 to 2001. Years later, he remains a familiar presence on Good Morning Britain, though admits he has no desire to become a full-time presenter, like Piers Morgan once was.
No ambition left
During an appearance on Vanessa Feltz's At Home with Vanessa podcast, Richard was asked if he had any more professional ambitions that he'd like to fulfil. The father-of-two said he is happy with his varied shift pattern on the show, although he admitted he wouldn't turn down the opportunity to host a programme like Strictly Come Dancing.
"They're never going to ask me to do that," he said, before adding: "But if they did, of course I would because it would be a hoot, it's like going to a party every week."
Beyond that prospect, nevertheless, he acknowledged his ambitions have diminished. "No, I don't have any ambition left at all," he said. "I feel like my career arc is behind me."
Flexible working on GMB
Explaining his variable working schedule on Good Morning Britain, he said he appreciates the flexibility and doesn't wish to be committed to the programme permanently. "That's plenty," he said.
"If they approached me and asked, 'Would you do it on the same level Piers Morgan used to do it?', I would respond, 'No I can't'."
Having a diverse workload, he explained, enabled him to pursue other ventures such as his recent Channel 5 documentary about El Salvador's mega-prison.
"I do just enough for me to keep my toe in the water but no, I don't have ambition. I'm not aiming to hit targets or establish a reputation because whatever my reputation is, it's established," he added.
Reflecting on This Morning days
Previously reflecting on his time on This Morning, Richard shed light on the realities of working alongside his wife as co-presenter.
Speaking in their Channel 5 documentary entitled Richard and Judy: Our Best Bits - In Our Own Words, the broadcaster revealed that while the schedule was "very demanding", it also carried certain advantages, including the opportunity to discuss the programme and resolve any disputes between them. He revealed: "I know it was very demanding with the drive from Manchester to Liverpool and back again, particularly the first thing in the morning was often a bit trying, but it had its upside, you know, because it meant that we could talk about the show together in privacy driving over."
"We could analyse the show going home and if, as married couples do, we had a blazing row that morning as we left the house and it carried on in the car and we're screaming blue murder at each other, you got it all out in the car," he added.
