TV

ITV slams GMB “big panel shake-up” reports

Sources claimed Richard Madeley would join team

ITV has refuted claims that it is plotting a huge shake-up of the Good Morning Britain panel.

Reports over the weekend suggested Richard Madeley would join the team permanently, after proving hugely popular as a guest host.

The 62-year-old was said to have secured a regular weekly slot and would also act as stand-in for Piers Morgan, according to The Sun.

ITV

It followed a ratings boost during Richard’s recent stint presenting the breakfast show alongside Susanna Reid.

He impressed viewers and producers alike by cutting short an interview with Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson when the MP wouldn’t give him a straight answer.

Piers Morgan on Good Morning Britain (Credit: ITV)

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The clip went viral and bolstered the reputation of the former long-time host of This Morning, which he presented with his wife, Judy Finnigan.

A studio source told the paper: “Richard polls really well with viewers, and also garners a big social media response whenever he’s on.

PA

“He’ll be Piers’ regular stand-in during his fairly regular holidays and do one day every couple of weeks. Viewers love how renegade Richard is.”

But speaking to Entertainment Daily!, an ITV spokeswoman rubbished the claims.

She said: “GMB love having Richard on to fill for Piers or Ben but there are no current plans for him to have a regular slot.”

Last week, Susanna and Piers hosted Good Evening Britain after England’s World Cup match against Belgium.

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The show also became an internet sensation thanks to Danny Dyer’s Brexit rant in which he twice used a well-known derogatory term to describe ex-Prime Minister David Cameron.

* Good Morning Britain is on weekdays at 6am.

Would you like to see Richard Madeley hosting GMB permanently? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think!


Nancy Brown
Associate Editor

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