Richard Madeley: Latest News, Career Updates, and 2026 GMB Status

Richard Madeley currently serves as a lead presenter on ITV’s Good Morning Britain, hosting primarily on Thursdays following a significant network reshuffle in January 2026. As of early 2026, Madeley remains a central figure in British broadcasting, balancing his morning television duties with a successful literary career and his role as co-creator of the Richard and Judy Book Club. Recently, Madeley has been in the headlines for his “fiery” debates with government ministers and his emotional tributes to late colleagues, maintaining his reputation as one of the UK’s most polarising yet enduring media personalities.

In this comprehensive 2026 guide, you will find everything you need to know about Richard Madeley’s current TV contracts, his latest books (including the revenge thriller Father’s Day), and his personal life with Judy Finnigan. We also dive into his net worth, his recent health updates regarding post-COVID recovery, and his ongoing impact on the British daytime television landscape.

Current Status on Good Morning Britain

As of January 2026, Richard Madeley has transitioned into a more defined role on Good Morning Britain (GMB) following a major ITV daytime reshuffle. While previously a rotating relief presenter, Madeley now anchors the show every Thursday, often appearing alongside Susanna Reid or Kate Garraway. This change was part of a broader network strategy to move GMB to a new studio and establish a fixed presenting schedule with Ed Balls handling the beginning of the week.

Despite the move to a more structured slot, Madeley’s future on the show is often subject to short-term contract reviews. In late 2025, reports indicated he signed a six-month “bridge” deal to ensure continuity during the transition to the new 2026 scheduling format. His “Alan Partridge-esque” style continues to generate significant social media engagement, making him a vital, albeit controversial, asset for ITV’s breakfast ratings.

Richard and Judy: A Legacy Duo

The partnership of Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan remains the gold standard for British daytime television, having pioneered the “husband and wife” presenting format on This Morning (1988–2001). Although the couple officially stopped hosting daily shows together in 2009, they remain intrinsically linked through their business ventures. Their most notable ongoing project is the Richard and Judy Book Club, which continues to influence the UK bestseller charts significantly in 2026.

In recent interviews, Madeley has reflected on their 40-year relationship, noting that while Judy has largely retired from the screen, she remains his “sharpest critic” and creative partner behind the scenes. The couple recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary privately, though they continue to make occasional joint appearances for literary events and family-focused features in magazines like Hello!.

Literary Career and New Books

Richard Madeley has successfully reinvented himself as a bestselling novelist, with a focus on psychological thrillers and romantic mysteries. His latest 2024/2025 release, “Father’s Day,” explores the dark world of online trolling and paternal revenge, set against the backdrop of the Cotswolds. The book has been praised for its “unflinching” look at modern social media toxicity, a subject Madeley often discusses during his GMB segments.

Bestselling Titles

• Father’s Day (2024): A thriller about a father seeking extrajudicial justice against his daughter’s trolls.
• The Night Book (2016): A suspenseful tale set during the 1970s “summer of the shark.”
• Some Day I’ll Find You: A Sunday Times bestseller exploring post-war romance and secrets.

Madeley’s writing process is famously disciplined; he often mentions on air that he stays in “literary mode” during his weeks off from GMB. In 2026, he is reportedly working on a new historical fiction project inspired by his own family’s journalistic roots in Essex.

Net Worth and Earnings 2026

Richard Madeley’s net worth is estimated to be between £4 million and £5 million in 2026. This wealth has been accumulated through four decades of high-profile television contracts, lucrative book deals, and public speaking engagements. His current GMB contract is estimated to be worth approximately £300,000 per year, reflecting his reduced days on air compared to previous years.

In addition to his salary, Madeley earns significant royalties from the Richard and Judy Book Club and his solo novels. He also made a reported £200,000 for his brief but memorable stint on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in 2021. The couple owns a significant property portfolio, including their long-term family home in Hampstead and a coastal retreat in Cornwall.

Health and Recent Updates

In early 2026, Richard Madeley provided a health update to viewers following a brief absence from GMB due to a COVID-19 infection. He described feeling “80% recovered” but admitted the virus left him feeling “washed out” and struggling with temporary hearing issues, a complication he first experienced in 2023. He famously used his studio earpiece as a makeshift hearing aid to continue broadcasting during his recovery.

Madeley’s openness about his health has extended to his past lifestyle choices, including his decision to quit a 60-a-day cigarette habit decades ago. He often cites this as the most important health decision of his life, sparked by a “heartbreaking” interview with a terminal cancer patient. In 2026, he remains an advocate for respiratory health and regular check-ups for older broadcasters.

Practical Information for Fans

For those looking to follow Richard Madeley’s work or engage with his literary projects in 2026, use the following details:

• GMB Air Times: Catch Richard on Thursdays from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM on ITV1 and ITVX.
• Book Club: New picks for the Richard and Judy Book Club are typically announced every three months via W.H. Smith.
• Social Media: While Richard is less active personally, updates are frequently posted via the official @GMB and @RichardAndJudy social accounts.
• Literary Events: He frequently appears at the Henley Literary Festival and various “Pop-up” book signings across the Cotswolds and London.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Richard Madeley still on Good Morning Britain? 

As of February 2026, Richard Madeley is a main presenter on GMB, specifically anchoring the show on Thursdays. He transitioned to this fixed slot following the ITV studio move in January 2026.

Who is Richard Madeley married to?

 Richard has been married to fellow broadcaster Judy Finnigan since 1986. They are one of the most famous couples in British media history, known for their 13-year run on This Morning.

Why did Richard Madeley leave I’m A Celebrity? 

During the 2021 series, Richard was forced to leave the camp after a “sudden illness” required a hospital visit. Because he left the production’s “COVID bubble,” he was legally unable to return to the castle under the regulations at the time.

What is the Richard and Judy Book Club? 

Launched in 2004, it is a highly influential literary campaign that selects and promotes ten books several times a year. It is credited with turning numerous debut authors into household names in the UK.

How many children does Richard Madeley have? 

Richard has two children with Judy: Jack Madeley (born 1986) and Chloe Madeley (born 1987). He is also a stepfather to Judy’s twin sons from her first marriage.

Where does Richard Madeley live? 

He primarily resides in Hampstead, North London, but spends significant time at his second home in Talland Bay, Cornwall, which he has described as his favorite place in the world.

Is Richard Madeley’s new book a sequel? 

No, his latest book, “Father’s Day,” is a standalone revenge thriller. It represents a shift toward darker, more contemporary themes compared to his earlier romantic fiction.

What is Richard Madeley’s salary at ITV? 

While ITV does not disclose exact figures, industry experts estimate his 2026 contract for one day a week plus relief cover to be in the region of £250,000 to £300,000.

What happened to Richard Madeley’s hearing? 

Richard suffered from a perforated eardrum and temporary deafness following a bout of COVID-19. He has since recovered most of his hearing but occasionally mentions lingering “corked” sensations during loud broadcasts.

Final Thoughts

As Madeley approaches his 70th birthday in May 2026, his career exhibits a “graceful slowing” rather than a hard stop. While he has hinted at a gradual retirement, his recent high-stakes interviews—such as the viral clash with Cabinet minister Steve Reed over the Mandelson scandal—prove that his journalistic instincts remain as sharp and provocative as ever. His legacy is increasingly tied to the Richard and Judy Book Club, which in 2026 continues to be a primary driver of the UK publishing industry, proving that his influence extends far beyond the television studio.

For viewers and readers, Madeley represents a bridge between the classic era of daytime TV and the modern, digital-first news cycle. Whether through his “accidental” Partridge-style humor or his unflinching pursuit of government accountability, he remains a singular figure in British culture. As the year progresses, his focus appears to be shifting toward more intimate literary engagements and potential historical fiction projects, ensuring that his voice will remain prominent in the UK’s cultural dialogue for years to come.

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