Viewers Are Loving Richard And Judy's Return To 'This Morning' 19 Years After Their Departure

ITV viewers thought they'd stepped back in time today, when they saw none other than Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan presenting This Morning.

The married couple haven't presented the show for almost two decades, but have stepped in today to cover for usual presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield as well as Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes.

With Holly and Phil away (the pair usually take time off during the kids' school holidays) Ruth and Eamonn (who only present on a Friday) have taken the reins for most of this week.

As today is their day off, Richard and Judy are standing in - and viewers have been loving their return, with many calling the iconic duo a "refreshing change".

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The pair looked *so* happy to be back on the sofa as they beamed at the cameras. The couple haven't presented the show since 2001, shortly before they started their evening show Richard & Judy over on Channel 4.

The husband and wife team were part of the This Morning family for 13 years before they left, so we imagine today's show will be a nostalgic trip down memory lane for them, as well as us.

Some fans were so impressed, they even suggested they take over from This Morning royalty, Holly and Phil.

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One person wrote: "Unpopular opinion, take it or leave it. Whatevs. Richard and Judy are better presenters than Phil & Holly."

While another said: "No one comes near Richard and Judy presenting #ThisMorning even all these years later they're a cut above."

Another fan likened their return to "putting on your favourite cosy jumper".

"Ahhhh... Richard and Judy, it's like putting your favourite cosy jumper on. Great to see them back!" She tweeted.

Meanwhile one described them as "absolute pros" in the telly world, explaining: "So good having @richardm56 and #JudyFinnigan back hosting @thismorning.

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"From the very first link through their initial empathetic interview, it's like they've never been away.

"This Morning IS Richard & Judy. Absolute Pros who remain head and shoulders above all who have followed."

With reviews like this, we wonder whether the iconic pair will be back on our screens more often?

Topics: This Morning, TV News

Lucy Devine

Lucy is a journalist working for Tyla. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, she has worked in both print and online and is particularly interested in fashion, food, health and women's issues. Northerner, coffee addict, says hun a lot. Get in touch at [email protected].

@lucedevine