Richard Madeley admits Judy Finnigan is 'happy to call it a day' in candid chat

Richard and Judy have been a mainstay on British TV for years

Richard Madeley has admitted wife Judy Finnigan is "very happy to call it a day" when it comes to her career.

The dynamic duo have been married for an impressive 38 years and are known as one of TV's most iconic couples. Recently, they have adapted their living arrangements, with separate bedrooms to accommodate Richard's work schedule.

Despite their individual spaces, Judy, who bid farewell to her role on Loose Women in 2015, has embraced a life away from the cameras.

Talking to Bella magazine about the decision, Richard said: "We were sort of pleased actually. Although, for my money, Judy was the best presenter I've ever worked with – I think she was gifted as a journalist and TV presenter – she never really enjoyed it that much."

Richard highlighted the pressures that come with television, especially for women, which Judy found burdensome. "The actual moment, the broadcasting she did, but all the stuff that goes with it, especially for women on telly, she found it a lot of baggage to carry," reports the Express.

"And that's why she hasn't come back into it. She's very happy to call it a day and allow me to do my thing."

Richard spoke to the magazine while promoting his new novel, 'Father's Day', at Chorleywood Bookshop's Literary Lunch. And he acknowledged that Judy, aged 76, still plays a significant role as his discerning critic, sharing her insights via WhatsApp from her own bedroom.

In a candid admission, Richard also hinted at a potential shift in his own career, stating that although he thrives on breaking news, he senses that the peak of his career may be behind him. He confessed: "Breaking news is catnip to me; I still get a huge buzz out of it. But in all seriousness, I feel that my career arc is behind me now."

He expressed his desire to "go on doing" hard news for another two or three years and then he'll "see".

The ups and downs of Richard and Judy's marriage have been often been in the public eye, with Richard confessing in 2021 that they frequently have spats.

In fact, during a holiday in France, a disagreement escalated to the point where Judy "didn't speak" to her husband for the first two days because he'd forgotten to pack her summer clothes.

Despite these hiccups, their marriage remains strong, and the TV duo are set to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary in just a few years.