Born:
May 13, 1956
in
Romford, Essex
Best Known For:
This Morning.
Early-life:
Born May 13, 1956, in Essex. His father worked as a journalist on the local paper, but died at the age of 49 following a heart attack. Richard had his nose broken in a fight at 12, and spent years worrying about it - he also hated being lanky with big feet. However, despite his insecurities, he soon got a reputation for being ambitious and after leaving school at 16, started working as a junior reporter. He began his broadcasting career with a job at Radio Carlisle.
Career:
He began his small screen career with Border Television, switching to Yorkshire, then Granada in 1982, where he first met Judy Finnigan. In 1988, the couple began presenting daytime show This Morning which quickly became a phenonemon, and led to Madeley hosting other programmes, including quiz shows Runway and Cluedo and documentary Eye Of the Storm. After 13 years, he and Finnigan quit ITV in May 2001 and were poached by Channel 4 in a multi-million pound deal. Their new teatime show, Richard and Judy, met with a lukewarm response when it debuted, but ratings quickly grew thanks to the success of features including their Book and Wine Clubs.
Quote:
"I think it's ridiculous when men go to cosmetic surgeons. It implies such vanity and self-regard. People may think I'm vanity personified, but neither of us take ourselves seriously. "
Trivia:
In 2011, Madeley received an honorary Doctor of Arts degree from Anglia Ruskin University.