He’s made a surprise return to TV screens alongside wife Judy Finnigan, 71, to host their new book show, Keep Reading and Carry on.
And Richard Madeley, 63, has revealed that reading is what’s kept them from getting ‘snappy’ during the coronavirus lockdown.
The presenter also confirmed once and for all that his blonde locks were ‘completely natural’ following speculation that he had bleached them for his TV return.
Iconic duo: Richard Madeley, 63, has offered a candid insight into life in lockdown with wife Judy Finnigan, 71, following their return to TV with a new book series
When speaking to The Mirror, Richard confirmed: ‘It is completely natural, nothing to do with a bottle. You don’t have to believe me, but it’s true. If I was dyeing my hair I’m sure it would go green, I wouldn’t know how to do it.’
The couple have established themselves as credible critics with book fans thanks to their longstanding book club.
When asked by the publication why reading plays an important role in the marriage, Richard said the timeout it provides stops them getting ‘snappy’ with one another.
He shared: ‘In all marriages, things can occasionally get tense, and you can get a bit snappy with each other, especially if you’re together 24/7.’
They’re back: The couple returned to screens last week to host their new book show, Keep Reading and Carry on
However, the broadcaster shared that they work so well together because they’re so comfortable with each other.
The husband and wife duo fronted This Morning between 1988 and 2001 and returned to the ITV breakfast show earlier this year to fill in for Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford.
There return was met with praise from viewers who clearly see how at ease they are presenting together.
Lighter locks: The presenter also confirmed once and for all that his blonde locks were ‘completely natural’ following speculation that he had bleached them for his TV return
When describing his wife, Richard shared: ‘For my money, Judy’s still the best female presenter in the UK, she is so able and versatile. But of all the presenters I know she was always the most reluctant one, she didn’t enjoy the fame thing at all.’
He also said he is not worried about the lockdown restrictions forcing Judy to isolate longer than him due to being over 70 as it should, in his opinion, fall to the individual to make their own choices.
Amid the troubles faced by the world amid the COVID-19 pandemic, viewers at home branded Richard and Judy’s book-based show ‘pure escapism.’
The couple were filmed by just two cameraman, who wore masks and gloves, with Richard promising they were stood two metres away.
Discussing the set-up, Richard joked on the show: ‘We’ve got all the safety protocols in place. It smells like a disinfectant factory, in fact Donald trump would love it.
‘It’s cleaner today than the 25 years we’ve lived here.’
Richard shared: ‘In all marriages, things can occasionally get tense, and you can get a bit snappy with each other, especially if you’re together 24/7’ (pictured in 2011)
The show featured the likes of author Adam Kay, who penned the best-selling book This Is Going To Hurt, as well as stars Judge Robert Rinder, Sandi Toksvig and Vick Hope.
While Judy explained that they wanted viewers to be taken far away from ‘anxiety and upset’ caused by the pandemic.
And viewers believed it did just that as they hailed the show for being just what is needed during this tough time.
‘Just watching #richardandjudy with the new series Keep Reading and Carry On, book reviews and discussions, just my cup of tea’ commented one viewer.
Looking back: Richard and Judy fronted This Morning between 1988 and 2001 and returned to the ITV breakfast show earlier this year
While another declared: ‘Oh wow what a fabulous tonic!! #richardandjudy #Bookclub Brilliant recommendations and a bloomin great giggle – thank you both!’
A third viewer gushed: ‘Hit the nail on the head! Just what we need right now, Well Done All.’
‘Really enjoyed the #richardandjudy books show on Channel 4 today. Wonderfully natural couple at home with great virtual guests. Look forward to more every day this week at 5.30,’ said a fourth.
Richard shared: ‘For my money, Judy’s still the best female presenter in the UK, she is so able and versatile. But of all the presenters I know she was always the most reluctant one, she didn’t enjoy the fame thing at all’
‘Just watched this it’s great and just what’s needed at this time’ tweeted a fifth viewer.
A further fan wrote: ‘#RichardAndJudy’s Keep Reading and Carry On was pure escapism!! Looking forward to the next episode tomorrow!!’
With another adding: ‘Who else loves #richardandjudy ? Just what we need right now.’
Richard and Judy: Keep Reading and Carry On continues nightly this week at 5.30pm on Channel 4.
‘Just what we need!’ Viewers hailed the show for being just what is needed during the tough coronavirus pandemic