AGE-OLD PROBLEM
Richard Madeley threatens to walk off GMB after being mocked over his age
RICHARD Madeley threatened to walk off Good Morning Britain today - after being mocked over his age.
The presenter was being teased about his upcoming stint on I'm A Celebrity by his co-host Susanna Reid.
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Richard said: "I would kill for a coffee but I've got to have a routine medical at about 12pm today and you have to fast for 12 hours.
"So I'm not even allowed tea.. and doing this show without caffeine..."
After The Sun's story that Richard is headed to the jungle for the latest series, Susanna teased: "Why would you be doing a routine medical?"
Richard said: "Because I'm very old, Susanna.
"Why have you got to read into everything?
"I could walk off.. but it's already been done."
The popular host, 65, is said to have agreed a contract worth an estimated £200,000.
Richard, who is married to fellow TV host Judy Finnigan, 73, is known to be a “huge fan” of the ITV show.
Producers have long targeted the Good Morning Britain star, a source said, and now he has agreed to don the famous red trousers.
He will join fellow stars as the show spends a second year at Gwrych Castle near Abergele, North Wales — with Covid complications ruling out the Oz jungle.
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Today Richard admitted he's been GAGGED by ITV about confirming if he's going into I'm a Celebrity.
Kicking off the show today, Susanna said: "Welcome back to the programme."
Richard replied: "Yes, I had a little two week break.
"I'm with you now for a solid month, so sorry about that."
Susanna asked: "Are you doing anything in a month's time?"
She was referring to The Sun's story last week that revealed Richard has signed up for this year’s I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here.
"I'm asked this every year," said Richard on this morning's show.
"I checked with ITV about what they want me to say about this because I may be going in or I may not be going in.
"They said quite a few names are leaked at this point.
"ITV quite like for its people not to confirm or deny because I could be a hare that's running in the race or I could just be a distraction.
"I'm afraid that's all I can say."
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The source said: “Richard’s been asked year after year but the timing has never been right. But now, finally, he’s said ‘Yes’.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
“He’s a favourite with ITV execs. He’s brilliant off and on screen so it seemed as good a time as any to throw caution to the wind and eat animal bits.
“He’s a fantastic coup and a nailed-on fan favourite. Once you wind him up, off he goes — he will make for castle gold.”
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