Pop Buzz UK

I can hardly believe it but Richard and Judy, those ever presents of daytime TV have announced they are quitting their daily chat show on Channel 4 to pursue other projects.

Now obviously I don’t watch the show, at least regularly (I’m not retired, a student or a bored teenager), but it’s still a bit sad to hear of the demise of a show which has held a bit of a place in the nation’s hearts for so long.

The pair will give up their show, which shares a timeslot with Paul O’Grady, teatime show, when their contract comes to an end next year.

The husband and wife team of Richard Madeley and Judy Finnegan have been on telly together for over 20 years, and have become as much a part of the furniture in the UK as the Queen and warm beer.

Richard Madeley said of the decision:

“The programme is still full of life, but we have taken the difficult decision to leave it on a high,”

“After seven consecutive years we both feel we have achieved everything we wanted with the show.”

“We want the chance to launch other projects in broadcasting and writing while we are still young enough.”

The pair have agreed to stay on to present a Book Club special this Christmas, and then two more series of the Richard & Judy show next year before finally hanging up their boots, or clip on mics or whatever they use.

The Book Club has been such a successful element of their daily show, Channel 4 are said to be keen for them to host a spin off series solely based on the item.

Julian Bellamy, head of programmes at Channel 4, said:

“Richard and Judy have informed us that they do not wish to continue their show after their current contract comes to an end in 2008.”

“Channel 4 wishes to thank them for the fantastic contribution they have made to the channel over the last seven years.”

“We wish them great success and will continue to look at opportunities to work with them in the future.”

Richard and Judy found fame together on ITV1’s This Morning show, even though they had both been in the business before. The show ran for 13 years from 1988 to 2001, before the couple defected to Channel 4 for more money, and an easier time slot.

The teatime version of their show has been mildly successful, with the Book Club helping to sell a large number of the books they featured, and getting kids in to reading. The show was made to share it’s time slot with Paul O’Grady though after he too defected from ITV1.

Richard and Judy were also caught up in the premium rate phone in scandal earlier this year when it transpired their You Say, We Pay game had continued to take callers even when there was no chance that person would be able to play.

I wish them a fond farewell.

Richard Madeley, Judy Finnegan, Richard And Judy, UK, Channel 4, ITV1, This Morning, Paul O’Grady, Book Club