‘Pure escapism!’ Viewers rejoice at Richard and Judy (and his bleached blond locks) as couple return to TV in new book show amid lockdown
Richard Madeley and Judy Finnegan delighted fans as they returned to screens on Monday for their new book show, Keep Reading and Carry On.
The husband and wife duo, who presented their Channel 4 series from their living room, were joined by a host of authors and celebrity guests as they discussed their passion for reading.
And amid the troubles faced by the world amid the COVID-19 pandemic, viewers at home branded Richard and Judy’s book-based show ‘pure escapism.’
Reunited: Richard Madeley and Judy Finnegan delighted fans as they returned to screens on Monday for their new book show, Keep Reading and Carry On
Showing off his freshly dyed bleach blond locks, Richard, 63, and his wife Judy, 71, joked to fans that they were ‘zoom virgins’ as all the chats were done by video call.
The couple were filmed by just two cameraman, who wore masks and gloves, with Richard promising they were stood two metres away.
Discussing the set-up, Richard joked: ‘We’ve got all the safety protocols in place. It smells like a disinfectant factory, in fact Donald trump would love it.
‘It’s cleaner today than the 25 years we’ve lived here.’
Big hit: The husband and wife duo, who presented their Channel 4 series from their living room, were joined by a host of authors and celebrity guests as they discussed their passion for reading
The show featured the likes of author Adam Kay, who penned the best-selling book This Is Going To Hurt, as well as stars Judge Robert Rinder, Sandi Toksvig and Vick Hope.
While Judy explained that they wanted viewers to be taken far away from ‘anxiety and upset’ caused by the pandemic.
And viewers believed it did just that as they hailed the show for being just what is needed during this tough time.
‘Just watching #richardandjudy with the new series Keep Reading and Carry On, book reviews and discussions, just my cup of tea’ commented one viewer.
New style: Showing off his freshly dyed bleach blonde locks, Richard, 63, and his wife Judy, 71, joked to fans that they were ‘zoom virgins’ as all the chats were done by video call
While another declared: ‘Oh wow what a fabulous tonic!! #richardandjudy #Bookclub Brilliant recommendations and a bloomin great giggle – thank you both!’
A third viewer gushed: ‘Hit the nail on the head! Just what we need right now, Well Done All.’
‘Really enjoyed the #richardandjudy books show on Channel 4 today. Wonderfully natural couple at home with great virtual guests. Look forward to more every day this week at 5.30’ said a fourth.
‘Just watched this it’s great and just what’s needed at this time’ tweeted a fifth viewer.
‘Just what we need!’ Viewers hailed the show for being just what is needed during the tough coronavirus pandemic
A further fan wrote: ‘#RichardAndJudy’s Keep Reading and Carry On was pure escapism!! Looking forward to the next episode tomorrow!!’
With another adding: ‘Who else loves #richardandjudy ? Just what we need right now.’
Earlier this year Richard made a triumphant return to This Morning alongside Judy.
The duo, who fronted the ITV daytime show between 1988 and 2001, had been filling in for Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford.
Fans declared how pleased they were to see the couple back on the show as some remarked it was ‘surreal’ and that they had ‘gone back in time.’
Richard and Judy: Keep Reading and Carry On continues nightly this week at 5.30pm on Channel 4.
Comeback: Earlier this year Richard made a triumphant return to This Morning alongside Judy, as they declared how pleased they were to see the couple back on the show