Richard and Judy to host This Morning for first time in 18 years

The husband and wife duo appeared on the show from its launch in 1988 until 2001
Comeback: The pair are set to return to presenting duties
Ken McKay/ITV/REX

Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan are set to return to the This Morning sofa as presenters, 18 years after their final episode.

The husband and wife duo will stand in for the show’s Friday hosts Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford on October 25.

Madeley, 63, and Finnigan, 71, presented This Morning from its debut in October 1988 until 2001, broadcasting live from the Albert Dock in Liverpool until production moved to London in 1996.

They were interviewed on the show, now hosted by Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield from Monday to Thursday, in August. ITV said that their appearance was greeted with fanfare from viewers, prompting producers to invite them to return as guest anchors.

Throwback: Madeley and Finnigan originally presented the show from the Albert Dock in Liverpool
ITV/REX/Shutterstock

“The This Morning family, both in the studio and at home, have been wanting to see Richard and Judy guest present the show for a while now,” editor Martin Frizell said.

“The time finally felt right and we can’t wait to have these broadcasting legends back on the sofa.”

Madeley and Finnigan added: “This Morning holds a very special place in our hearts, so we couldn’t be more delighted to take the helm once again.”

During their time on the show, the pair’s notable interviews included George Michael, then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and even future This Morning star Schofield.

Following their stint on This Morning, the couple moved to Channel 4 to host early evening show Richard & Judy until 2008.

Finnigan appeared as a panellist on Loose Women from 2014 to 2015, while Madeley often stands in for Piers Morgan on Good Morning Britain.

Richard and Judy host This Morning on Friday October 25 from 10.30am on ITV.

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