Richard Madeley has chatted about his and Judy Finnigan’s marriage, as he opened up about a time when they were on the cusp of making a huge decision about their relationship
Matt Davies Trendswatch Reporter
06:00, 21 Oct 2025
Richard Madeley has opened up about a fear held by Judy before they moved in together
(Image: Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images)
Richard Madeley has revealed a fear his wife Judy Finnigan harboured before they moved in together, and how it prompted him to escape the UK for some serious reflection. During a recent appearance on the On The Mend podcast with Matt Willis, Richard spoke about the early stages of his relationship with Judy, when both were divorced and facing a major decision.
Judy, who had twin boys, Dan and Tom, from her previous marriage to David Henshaw, explained, according to Richard, that she came in a “three-pack” and felt “concerned” about whether he knew what he was doing in terms of being a stepfather.
To properly examine his feelings about the relationship, Richard flew to Greece for some introspection. He spent a fortnight in the Mediterranean country contemplating “quite deeply” about his future, though the story would ultimately have a joyful conclusion.
Richard explained: “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.”
Richard discussed the early days of his and Judy’s relationship, a time when they were both divorced
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 revealed that he spent a fortnight away to reflect “quite deeply” about the future and his feelings towards Judy, eventually concluding that he “felt very comfortable” with being a stepfather and “told her that” when he returned.
Richard explained how the four of them embarked on a trip to Cornwall, where they hired a cottage as a “little trial”. Touchingly, it proved “fantastic”, and they enjoyed a “great time”; Richard noted that this “sealed it”.
Richard and Judy, who married in 1986, went on to welcome two children together, Chloe and Jack, and now have five grandchildren.
Meanwhile, the presenter, who fronts Good Morning Britain (GMB), recently made a “confession” on the ITV programme. Last week (October 16), he and co-presenter Kate Garraway brought viewers up to speed on the latest headlines.
Richard jetted off to Greece for a spot of soul-searching
(Image: Getty Images)
During the episode, colleague Charlotte Hawkins outlined how the number of drivers receiving penalty points had increased over the past year.
Discussing the subject with commentators Kwasi Kwarteng and Ayesha Hazarika, Richard remarked: “I’m going to make a confession now, it’s not a big deal, but whatever.”
He then revealed that he had six points on his driving licence, explaining: “Both because of speed cameras. One for doing 34 mph on a dual carriageway at four thirty in the morning when it was a 30 mph [zone], I didn’t realise that.
“And one for doing 24 mph in a 20 mph zone at four thirty in the morning. And I have to say, I don’t mind being fined because, yes, I have broken the limit inadvertently, but to get three points on a licence, as well, seemed a bit harsh.”
Richard went on to note that speeding has to be “controlled”, but questioned whether we were “over-penalising drivers” for what he dubbed “relatively minor infractions”, adding that he wasn’t sure how he felt about the issue.
