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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Entertainment
Jessica Sansome

Richard Madeley teases I'm A Celeb return as he makes GMB comeback after 'bad' birthday celebrations

Richard Madeley has cheekily teased a possible I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! return. The presenter appeared in the most recent series of the ITV reality show last year which took place for a second year in Wales at Gwrych Castle.

He arrived alongside Frankie Bridge and joined the likes of Danny Miller, David Ginola, Louise Minchin, and Dame Arlene Phillips as the Ant McPartline and Declan Donnelly-fronter show's 2021 campmates. But after five days on-screen - or slightly longer on the show due to filming starting days before the debut episode aired - Richard was forced out of the show.

It was revealed at the time that he'd been taken to hospital after falling ill in the early hours of the morning. While his visit to the local hospital was a precaution and was given a clean bill of health, Richard was unable to return to the castle. This was because he broke the Covid 'bubble' that had been created by the show's contestants and crew.

READ MORE: ITV viewers say Queen is 'not amused' as they spot reaction during Jubilee show

With the months now having passed by, it seems Richard, 66, may be up for a return for the heavily rumoured all-stars spin-off. Appearing on Monday's Good Morning Britain (May 16), the former This Morning star was probed by entertainment reporter Richard Arnold about whether he’d do the series again.

"I had this funny turn, I got dehydrated as it turned out and so that meant I broke the covid bubble as they insisted I went to hospital and they wouldn’t let me back in because of Covid, that was the only reason," he said of his premature exit from the castle last year. "I have to say, it does feel like unfinished business,’ Madeley continued. ‘On the other hand, I have a motto 'never go back, just keep moving forward'. I’m not sure."

Richard returned to the show alongside Susanna Reid after celebrating his birthday over the weekend. However, the latest edition of the ITV news programme started with all eyes on co-star Charlotte Hawkins as she marked her own special day on the show. As Charlotte finished speaking about the Queen's birthday celebrations over the weekend, Richard turned to her and said: "Thank you birthday girl," before adding: "Not quite platinum!"

Richard during his brief stint in the castle last year (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Charlotte replied: "No not yet, thanks very much Richard. A little way off I'd like to think!" referring to turning 47-years-old today (Monday). Sticking up for her colleagues, Susanna then chimed in: "What about your birthday Richard? On Friday? Not quite platinum!"

Richard replied: "I was 66-years-old, alright, happy? I'm a pensioner, okay!" as Susanna reased: "Happy and glorious," but her co-host quickly replied: "Hmmmm I dunno about the glorious bit but I'm certainly happy!"

Earlier in the show, as the crew provided Charlotte with a cake, Susanna wished Richard a 'happy birthay' before the presenter lamented: "I'm not going to say how old I was, but it was a bad one for me on Friday. At my age they're all bad."

While his colleagues disagreed and described it as a "blessing", Richard laughed: "What, I'm lucky to still be alive?" Susanna added: "Think of the alternative..."

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