Richard Madeley: who is the Good Morning Britain presenter confirmed as I’m A Celeb contestant?

Richard Madeley is the “favourite” to take Piers Morgan’s spot on Good Morning Britain, but not before he heads to Wales to take part in I’m A Celebrity.

On 3 November, reports emerged that he would become the full-time replacement for Morgan and is in the final stages of a £300,000 a year deal.

As viewers watched TV’s breakfast show, Madeley concluded the programme by confirming he would not return to GMB until January - as he was off to Gwrych Castle, Wales.

So, who is he - and what did he say about being an I’m A Celebrity contestant? This is what you need to know.

Who is Richard Madeley?

Madeley, who was born in Romford, Essex, became famous through his successful career as a journalist and presenter.

The 64-year-old is renowned for co-presenting the chat show Richard and Judy, alongside his wife Judy Finnigan.

The show started in 2001 and ran for seven years.

Before and after that, the famous duo hosted This Morning together from 1988.

The pair, who have two children Chloe and Jack, have now been married for 35 years.

They met in 1982 when they were both working as journalists and married to other people.

Before meeting Finnigan, Madeley was previously married to Lynda R Hooley for five years.

He and his wife now front their own book club and both became authors themselves.

Madeley has also dabbled in presenting game shows, hosting the ITV series Fortune: Million Pound Giveaway.

What’s his net worth?

It has been reported by Celebrity Net Worth that Madeley has amassed a personal wealth of $5million (£3.6million).

The staggering amount is potentially down to his long-standing TV career.

He has also published successful books, including a joint autobiography with his wife in 2002 and Fathers and Sons in 2008.

Will he replace Piers Morgan on GMB?

Former This Morning host Madeley is reportedly in the final stages of securing a £300k a year deal with GMB, to replace Morgan on a permanent basis.

He has proven a real hit with viewers ITV’s breakfast news and chat show since he stepped in as a short term co-host with Susanna Reid.

However, ITV have yet to confirm the news and his representatives have denied that a deal had not been struck, claiming he is “part of a revolving family of presenters”, with “no plans to change that."

Despite his reps acting quick to dispel rumours, The Sun reported Madeley’s “trial period,” has proven a success and show bosses have concluded he is is worth the handsome pay deal.

The Sun claims a reputable source told how he discussed the decision with his wife Judy Finnigan, before deciding “sod it,” and agreeing on a full time contract.

“As the weeks have gone by, and he’s proven a constant hit with viewers, he’s really got into his stride and has been enjoying it more and more,” the source told the publication.

“He polls really well with fans and ratings have steadily been on the rise again over the past six months. After a couple of meetings with ITV bosses, he was offered a full-time contract. And after consulting with his family, especially wife Judy, he decided ‘sod it’ — and to go for it.”

Is Richard Madeley going on I’m A Celebrity 2021?

On 3 November, Madeley made several hints about “going on a long car drive,” to Wales, before seeming to confirm he is going on the show.

Madeley said he wouldn’t be full time on the programme until after Christmas as he had "some very interesting things to see and eat," before then.

Co-host Susanna Reid then commented about how to say goodbye in Welsh, before quipping “I’m sure you’ll learn in the next few weeks.”

I’m A Celebrity is touted to begin on ITV on Sunday 21 November.