Good Morning Britain's Richard Madeley bids farewell as he confirms break

Good Morning Britain star Richard Madeley has announced that he'll be taking a break from the breakfast show.

During Thursday's (July 17) edition of the hit ITV programme, Richard woke up the nation alongside his co-host Kate Garraway.

The duo updated viewers on next week's five-day resident doctors' strike, and interviewed actor Martin Shaw, who turned down the chance to play James Bond.

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Richard and Kate also shared important advice for parents on how to keep their children safe after recent warnings about the dangers of giving slushie drinks to children under the age of seven.

They were joined in the studio by Laura Tobin, who provided regular weather updates, while Marverine Cole presented the rest of the day's news.

Towards the end of the show, Richard and Kate spoke to commentators Jonathan Ashworth and Kwasi Kwarteng about the day's biggest news stories before handing over to Lorraine Kelly.

Just before GMB went off-air, Richard revealed that he would be taking some time off over the next few weeks but would be back soon.

"Right, I'm off for three weeks, I'll see you all in three weeks' time," he said.

"Are you? Have a lovely holiday. You haven't rebelled, you haven't been suspended, you're just going on holiday," Kate added.

Richard jokingly concluded: "No, I haven't had the whip taken away, but I've had it applied a few times."

It has not yet been confirmed who will be replacing Richard on the breakfast show while he's on holiday, though it'll likely be one of his fellow news anchors, Ed Balls, Martin Lewis, Adil Ray, or Rob Rinder.

Richard made an unexpected return to daytime TV in 2021 after Piers Morgan left GMB following a row over Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

The 69-year-old presenter had previously co-hosted ITV's This Morning with his wife Judy Finnigan between 1988 and 2001.

Richard's break comes just a week after his co-host Susanna Reid announced her summer hiatus from the show.

Addressing the audience at home, she declared: "I am off on my summer holidays and will see you at the start of the new term."

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am