Jimmy Tarbuck, 85, Leaves Good Morning Britain In Hysterics With Razor-Sharp Swipe At Richard Madeley
Jimmy Tarbuck proved that comedy timing doesn’t fade with age — if anything, it only gets sharper.
The 85-year-old comic legend had the Good Morning Britain studio in fits of laughter on Tuesday morning after delivering a perfectly judged, cheeky swipe at Richard Madeley during a light-hearted interview that quickly turned into television gold.
Appearing on the ITV show to promote his new autobiography, Laughter Is The Best Medicine, Jimmy sat down with presenters Susanna Reid and Richard Madeley to reflect on his life, career — and recent health battles.
But it was his final remark that stole the show.
“I Didn’t Realise You Were So Young…”
As the interview wrapped up, Susanna warmly praised Jimmy for his resilience and upbeat spirit.
“You’ve had your health battles,” she said, “but clearly laughter is the best medicine because you are absolutely powering along. All the best to you, Jimmy — it’s always lovely to see you.”
Jimmy, without missing a beat, smiled and replied:
“It’s a pleasure to see me — and may I tell you, it is a pleasure.”
Then came the sting.
“I didn’t realise you were so young,” he added casually, “and that you were here with your father.”
The studio erupted.
Susanna doubled over laughing, the camera crew could be heard chuckling, and even Richard — the target of the joke — took it in good spirits.
“I’m not even sure if that’s possible,” Susanna joked back, still giggling.
Jimmy, sensing he’d landed the punchline perfectly, added with a grin:
“There’s another fan lost… only joking!”
“He’s Still Got It”
The laughter didn’t stop there. Moments later, Susanna and Richard crossed to Lorraine Kelly’s studio, where the veteran comic’s quick wit was still the topic of conversation.
“He’s still got it, hasn’t he?” Lorraine remarked.
“Hasn’t he just,” Susanna replied.
“Legend,” Lorraine concluded. “Proper legend.”
Viewers watching at home agreed.
Fans Hail ‘An Absolute Legend’
Social media quickly lit up, with fans flocking to X (formerly Twitter) to praise Jimmy’s appearance.
“Fantastic to see Jimmy Tarbuck still around and so lucid. Fascinating man,” one viewer wrote.
Another added: “Aww, I love Jimmy Tarbuck.”
“Jimmy Tarbuck is an absolute legend,” a third posted, tagging the show.
Health Battles — And A Message To Men
During the interview, Jimmy also spoke candidly about his prostate cancer diagnosis in 2020, using the platform to encourage men to take their health seriously.
“Yes, I have prostate cancer,” he previously revealed on GMB. “I’m going to try and beat it.”
He urged men over 50 — and their partners — to push past embarrassment and get tested.
“Men are shy,” he said. “But you’ll be relieved — and you’ll have extra years with your families.”
Jimmy explained he has been receiving injections and medication and confirmed the cancer had not spread. He was later also diagnosed with skin cancer.
The conversation came just a day after his close friend Sir Cliff Richard revealed he had been secretly treated for prostate cancer over the past year.
“He’s a good lad,” Jimmy said fondly.
Still Touring, Still Laughing
Despite his health challenges, Jimmy shows no signs of slowing down and is set to return to touring next year — continuing a career that spans decades and generations.
Tuesday’s appearance served as a reminder that while fashions change and formats evolve, sharp wit and warmth never go out of style.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.
