Good Morning Britain presenter Richard Madeley returned to the ITV breakfast show on Monday, June 9, 2025, with a painful double wrist fracture that he sustained over the weekend in France. The 69-year-old broadcaster appeared on air with a cast on his right wrist, sparking concern and support from his co-host Susanna Reid and viewers alike.
The injury occurred on Friday, June 6, when Richard was walking quickly down a steep pavement in France. He explained on the program how the pavement was loose and flipped up beneath him, causing him to fall forward and hit the ground hard. "I thought you were gonna say, 'Did I have a good break?' Yeah, it's a double fracture of the wrist," he said with characteristic humor despite the severity of the injury. "I was walking quite quickly down a steep pavement in France, actually, on Friday. The pavement was loose and it flipped up and it flipped me forward, and I thought, 'Am I gonna win or is gravity gonna win?' And gravity won, and I hit the ground hard. So yeah, I've got a double fracture and we'll see how it goes."
Susanna Reid, who co-hosts Good Morning Britain alongside Richard, expressed sympathy and curiosity about his condition. "Richard, you better explain. You've come back into the studio... That looks sore," she remarked as she noticed his cast. When she asked if it was sore at the moment, Richard firmly replied, "I'm not discussing the pain threshold. We don't think about pain." The exchange was lighthearted but underscored the seriousness of the injury.
Fans of the show took to social media to express concern and send well wishes. One viewer humorously noted, "Is Richard channeling his inner Keith Lemon this morning with his bandage?" while others simply sent messages of sympathy, calling it an "owie." Richard's voice sounded husky and somewhat "digitised," reflecting the challenges he faced while recovering from the injury.
This personal setback comes amid a period of change and uncertainty for Richard at ITV. Earlier reports revealed that his contract, reportedly worth £300,000 a year, would not be renewed on current terms when it expires in December 2025. However, after negotiations, Richard secured a new deal that will see him continue in a more part-time role with significantly reduced hours and pay. Sources described the situation as a shock within ITV corridors, given Richard's status as a daytime television legend. Despite the cutbacks, he remains a popular figure on Good Morning Britain, having joined the show in 2022 after Piers Morgan's departure.
The ITV daytime schedule is undergoing broader shake-ups as well. Lorraine Kelly's show will air only 30 out of 52 weeks from next year, and Loose Women will see a reduction in episodes. Meanwhile, Good Morning Britain is set to extend its broadcast from a 9 a.m. finish to 9:30 a.m., reflecting shifting priorities at the network. Former MP Ed Balls, who joined GMB in 2022, is also set to remain on the roster despite some viewer criticism regarding potential conflicts of interest, especially when interviewing his former Labour colleagues or during segments involving his wife, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.
Aside from Richard's injury, Monday's Good Morning Britain covered several pressing news stories. The presenters discussed climate activist Greta Thunberg's recent claims that she and other activists were "intercepted and kidnapped" after their Gaza aid boat was stopped by Israel. The program also highlighted the NHS's urgent call for a million new blood donors amid critically low supplies, a critical public health issue that has garnered national attention.
In international news, reporter Ranvir Singh provided breaking updates on ongoing protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles. During a live segment, a loud bang was heard on air, temporarily startling viewers. Ranvir later clarified, "Just to be clear, my producer is telling me that that was fireworks. Just want to make that clear for you, because it is obviously alarming to hear that kind of sound behind a live report." The coverage underscored the tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in the United States and the passionate responses it has elicited.
Richard Madeley's candid sharing of his injury and his return to the studio despite the pain highlighted his dedication to his role and his resilience. As Susanna Reid put it, "It's good to have you back. Let's hope you recover quickly." His presence remains a staple of Good Morning Britain, offering viewers a familiar and comforting face amid a rapidly changing television landscape and a world full of challenging news.
