RICHARD Madeley has revealed the real reason for his Good Morning Britain no-show at the start of the week on his return to the ITV daytime series.
The broadcaster resumed his role in the presenting hotseat alongside Susanna Reid, 54, on Wednesday, after he was forced to pull out at the last minute on Monday.
ITV News’ Paul Brand swiftly stepped in, with Susanna disclosing Richard, 69, had been “poorly.”
Yet on Wednesday’s episode, he told Good Morning Britain viewers how he had suffered a bout of Covid – and was only “operating at 80 per cent” as a result.
Susanna joked: “Your 80 per cent is anyone else’s 110 per cent!”
Around 30 minutes into the episode, she put her hand on his arm and said: “By the way, I haven’t said welcome back” to which the ex This Morning anchor said: “Oh thank you very much.”
Susanna then quizzed: “And how are you feeling?”
Richard replied: “I’m clearer now. I’ve had Covid, as you know.
“The active stage has gone and I’m OK again, but it does leave you washed out.
“I do feel I am operating at 80 per cent this morning.”
Yet while one fan on X agreed that Richard looked “poorly” he also appeared to show off a new look for the three-hour episode.
He has previously revealed the secret behind his blonde hair yet during the episode, his eyebrows looked noticeably darker and more bushy.
While it may have been a coincidence, or result of the studio lightening, it could also be the result of a beauty treatment.
Meanwhile, last year, GMB viewers were worried Richard was set to leave the show entirely following another recent illness.
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Monday’s programme began with long-serving host Susanna Reid explaining to those watching why her regular co-host was a no-show this morning.
ITV’s daytime TV schedule changes in full
Good Morning Britain will be extended by 30 minutes to run from 6am to 9.30am daily.
Lorraine will run from 9.30am-10am, on a seasonal basis for 30 weeks of the year.
During the weeks Lorraine is not on air, Good Morning Britain will run from 6am to 10am.
This Morning will remain in its 10am-12.30pm slot on weekdays throughout the year.
Loose Women will be in the 12.30-1.30pm slot, again on a seasonal basis for 30 weeks of the year.
The changes will take effect from January 2026.
Susanna told viewers: “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 your hot seat.”
Paul, who stepped in unexpectedly following Richard’s abscence, joked: “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 [Susanna] before either, so this is fresh territory for me – that’s for sure.”
Paul continued: “It’s been very nice this morning, you gave me a hug when you arrived,” while Susanna chimed: “Not everyone gets a hug on this programme… former presenters included.”
Despite his late inclusion, fans heaped praise towards Paul as he marked his first hosting stint on the show.
One wrote: “He is always a well informed journalist”.
Paul is ITV News’ award-winning UK Editor, holding the position since 2021 after a long stint as the broadcaster’s political correspondent.
He is a regular presenter on ITV, and is familiar with GMB viewers as he often reports on political stories for the breakfast programme.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.
