Susanna Reid explained Richard Madeley’s absence moments into today’s show.
07:17, 17 Nov 2025
Richard Madeley was absent from Good Morning Britain today (Image: ITV)
Good Morning Britain saw a major shake-up this morning as Richard Madeley was forced to skip the show.
Monday’s programme opened with Susanna Reid explaining his absence as she was joined by ITV News editor Paul Brand.
Susanna shared: “Welcome to the programme, Richard Madeley, due to be on air this morning, a little bit poorly, so get well soon Richard, watching from home as Paul Brand takes the hot seat.”
Paul quipped, “Get well soon, Richard, and come and help me out! I don’t know what I’m doing, and I’ve never sat next to you before either, so this is fresh territory for me.”
Susanna Reid was joined by Paul Brand on Monday morning (Image: ITV)READ MORE: Angry Ginge and Ruby Wax given viewer verdict after I’m A Celebrity first episodeREAD MORE: ‘Must watch’ thriller that’s ‘way better than The Beast In Me’ is free to watch
“What fresh hell is this, you thought this morning, when you got the call,” Susanna laughed.
Paul added: “It’s been very nice this morning, you gave me a hug when you arrived,” as Susanna joked: “Not everyone gets a hug on this programme… former presenters included.”
The new presenter was branded a “breath of fresh air” by viewers, as his arrival was welcomed by Susanna on social media.
Paul was branded a “breath of fresh air” by viewers (Image: ITV)
She shared a selfie of them before going on air, and wrote: “MORNING! The brilliant @PaulBrandITV with us in the hot seat this morning.”
One viewer said: “Brilliant, love Paul Brand, a proper journalist.”
Another wrote: “So @PaulBrandTV is breath of fresh air on GMB. No shouting this morning, it’s great.”
Paul joked “I don’t know what I’m doing” (Image: ITV)
Someone else said: “How wonderful to turn on the TV this morning and see the gorgeous @PaulBrandITV with @susannareid100.”
Another pleaded, “Brilliant, please tell us that Paul is permanent?”
Paul is a regular presenter on ITV, having previously served as the political correspondent for ITV News. He became UK Editor of ITV News in 2021.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.
