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The end of Richard and Judy?

13/05/2007

Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan are reportedly close to ending their 19-year-old husband and wife presenting double act.

A "trusted show executive" has told the News of the World that the couple are planning to see out their contract with Channel 4 this year before moving on to other things.

The tabloid says Finnigan, 59, wants to spend more time at home with her writing projects, while 51-year-old Madeley is apparently eager to go solo in a bid to become the "next [Michael] Parkinson".

The couple dominated early morning television with This Morning on ITV in the 1990s before defecting to Channel 4 with their daily weekday early evening show Richard and Judy.

"Judy simply doesn't want to be on TV any more," the industry source told the News of the World.

"She loves spending time at home and wants to be a housewife for a bit. It has been hard for her to keep up with Richard for a while. He is so vibrant and ambitious."

Channel 4 has confirmed the couple, who married in 1986, are yet to renew their contract with the broadcaster.

Earlier this year Richard and Judy was faced with allegations that the show's You Say, We Pay quiz was rigged, at the height of the premium phoneline quiz scandal.

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