Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan have been married for 38 years and both enjoyed successful TV careers together before Judy stepped back from the spotlight

Judy Finnigan and Richard Madeley were a mainstay on British TV for decades(Image: Ian Gavan/Getty Images)

Richard Madeley has admitted his wife Judy Finnigan is “happy to call it day” when it comes to her TV career.

The iconic TV duo are known for their decades-long presence on our screens and a marriage spanning 38 years. But their dynamic has shifted since Judy decided to step back from the spotlight after leaving Loose Women in 2015.

Speaking to Bella magazine, Richard explained how the couple felt about Judy’s career change: “We were sort of pleased actually. Although, for my money, Judy was the best presenter I’ve ever worked with – I think she was gifted as a journalist and TV presenter – she never really enjoyed it that much.”

He went on to explain that while Judy excelled on screen, the accompanying pressures, particularly for women in television, led her to happily step away. He continued: “The actual moment, the broadcasting she did, but all the stuff that goes with it, especially for women on telly, she found it a lot of baggage to carry.”

Judy Finnigan stepped back from TV after leaving Loose Women in 2015(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

“And that’s why she hasn’t come back into it. She’s very happy to call it a day and allow me to do my thing.”

Richard, who recently engaged with fans at Chorleywood Bookshop’s Literary Lunch to discuss his new novel Father’s Day admitted that Judy remains his most honest critic.

She communicates her opinions via WhatsApp from her own bedroom, having only just begun reading his latest literary offering, reports the Express.

In a candid admission about his own future on television, Richard hinted that his tenure as a host might be drawing to a close, expressing his enduring passion for journalism and breaking news. He explained: “Breaking news is catnip to me; I still get a huge buzz out of it. But in all seriousness, I feel that my career arc is behind me now.”

He mentioned he’d like to “go on doing” hard news for another two or three years and then he’ll “see”.

Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan attend the MORE4 TV Launch Party in 2005(Image: Dave Hogan/Getty Images)

Richard Madeley has opened up about the ups and downs in his marriage with Judy in the past, admitting that they have their fair share of arguments.

He recounted a particularly memorable spat during a holiday in France when Judy “didn’t speak” to him for two days because he forgot to pack her summer clothes.

Despite the occasional tiff, Richard and Judy’s marriage remains strong, with the couple approaching their 40th anniversary in the near future.