TV

Richard Madeley left slightly red-faced after saucy blunder on GMB

The presenter made a slip of the tongue during make-up debate

Richard Madeley, who has been hosting Good Morning Britain over the summer, made a saucy slip of the tongue on Wednesday’s show during a debate about whether young girls should wear make-up.

The presenter, best-known as one half of TV duo Richard & Judy with wife Judy Finnigan, used an unfortunate phrase when giving his opinion on the matter.

Richard, 61, left fans in hysterics after referring to make-up as “the old slap and tickle”.

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Giving his opinion on the controversial topic, Richard said: “If a girl wants to experiment with the old slap and tickle, she should be allowed to put it on.

“It’s fun and it makes them feel like a grown up and I don’t see what the problem is.”

He then realised what he had said and quickly added: “Oh, ‘slap’ I should have said. Ignore the tickle.”

FYI Slap and Tickle is slang for sexual activity.

And it definitely didn’t go unnoticed by viewers.

One said on Twitter: “Did Richard actually just call it slap and tickle, awkward. #GMB.”

“‘If a little girl wants a bit of slap and tickle’ …. that wasn’t right was it Richard.  #GMB #goodmorningbritain,” another added.

A third tweeted: “What a massive faux pas Richard “slap and tickle” is not make up  #GMB.”

“‘If a young girl wants to experiment with some slap and tickle’. WTF, Madeley,” said another.

Another viewer added: “#gmb Wow slap & tickle! Wheres your mind at Richard?”

Meanwhile on the show Richard bagged himself a free haircut from Love Island winner Kem Cetinay – who has been presenting the entertainment segment on the show this week with girlfriend Amber Davies.

Hairdresser Kem got his hands on Richard’s dated hairdo and gave him a modern Essex lad makeover.

Richard slipped backstage with Kem while co-host Charlotte Hawkins explained to viewers that Richard was changing up his hair for the first time in 40 years.

Richard told viewers: “It’s the last day on the show so why not? It’ll grow back.”

Richard then showed off his new look sporting a quiff and a pair of dark shades.

“It’s been the classic experience, really good chat,” he said.

Talking about how he and Kem have been bonding Richard added: “We have a lot in common, we’re born a quarter of a mile away from each other in Essex.”

“He’s really good,” he said, praising Kem’s skills. “I’m not sure I’m going to keep it like this but thanks.”

It was Richard’s final day presenting on the show today before Piers and Susanna Reid make a comeback next week.

Commenting on the job before starting his stint earlier this month, Richard said: “I’ve known Piers for 30 years so sitting in for him on GMB is an excellent opportunity to gather some inside information on him which I will unhesitatingly use to wind him up afterwards.

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“Seriously though, I’m looking forward to it immensely and after all those years on This Morning the early starts will seem like old times.”

And he’s proved to be a firm favourite with viewers who have begged him to stay on the show permanently.

GMB’s Twitter wrote: “‘The team here are amazing’ – Richard on his final day at #GMB Cheers @richardm56 we do our best!  @piersmorgan never says such things!

One fan replied: “Keep Richard please!”

“Keep Richard I’ve started watching again since he’s been on in the morning,” another agreed.

“So refreshing… please stay,” said a third.


Rebecca Carter
Associate Editor (News)