Richard Madeley shares Judy Finnigan’s ‘concern’ about major life change before time apart
Good Morning Britain presenter Richard Madeley has shared the fear his wife Judy Finnigan had before they moved in together which forced him to do some serious soul-searching
Richard Madeley opened up on Judy Finnigan’s ‘concerns’(Image: Liverpool Echo/Colin Lane)
Richard Madeley has disclosed a concern his wife Judy Finnigan had before they set up home together, and how it led him to flee the UK for some deep contemplation. During a visit to the On The Mend podcast with Matt Willis, Richard discussed the initial phase of his relationship with Judy, when both were divorced and confronting a significant choice.
Judy, who had twin boys, Dan and Tom, from her first marriage to David Henshaw, made clear, according to Richard, that she came in a “three-pack” and felt “concerned” about whether he understood what he was taking on in terms of becoming a stepfather.
To thoroughly examine his feelings about the relationship, Richard, who turns 70 today (Wednesday, May 13), travelled to Greece for some soul-searching. He spent a fortnight in the Mediterranean nation reflecting “quite deeply” about his future, though the tale would ultimately have a happy ending.
Richard explained during the podcast chat last year: “So, I went off on my own. I went off to Greece for two weeks on a kind of a solo holiday to think about it, because I didn’t want to rush – well, I wasn’t rushing – but I didn’t want to make that mistake.”
He added: “I didn’t want to say airily and with super-confidence, ‘Oh, yeah, it’ll be fine. You know, I’m happy to be a stepfather’. I needed to know that I could deliver and that I meant it.” He disclosed that he took a fortnight away to consider “quite deeply” the future and his feelings towards Judy, ultimately deciding that he “felt very comfortable” with becoming a stepfather and “told her that” upon his return, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Richard described how the four of them went on a holiday to Cornwall, where they rented a cottage as a “little trial”. Heartwarming, it turned out “fantastic”, and they had a “great time”; Richard observed that this “sealed it”.
Richard and Judy, who wed in 1986, later had two children together, Chloe and Jack, and now have five grandchildren.
Last year, Richard revealed he and Judy sleep separately after a major life change. The celebrity couple worked together for years before Judy made the decision to quit television a decade ago.
Richard sometimes presents Good Morning Britain, and this has had an impact on the couple’s sleeping arrangements.
The show begins broadcasting from 6am, he often sleeps separately from his wife to allow her undisturbed rest. The presenter discussed their sleeping arrangements during an appearance on Kate Thornton’s White Wine Question Time podcast.
He said: “When I’m doing Good Morning Britain I sleep in the spare room. I do probably sleep a little bit better in bed with Judy but I’m okay on my own.”
When asked if he’d considered staying together and waking Judy early, he responded: “I wouldn’t think of doing that to Judy. Apart from anything else, Judy and her sleep, you do not mess with.”
