Judy Finnigan is a legendary British television presenter, journalist, and bestselling author best known for co-hosting ITV’s This Morning and the Channel 4 chat show Richard & Judy alongside her husband, Richard Madeley. Born on May 16, 1948, in Newton Heath, Manchester, Finnigan became a pioneer for women in broadcasting, transitioning from a researcher at Granada Television to one of the most recognizable faces in the United Kingdom. Over a career spanning five decades, she has won numerous National Television Awards, launched the influential Richard & Judy Book Club, and authored several successful novels including Eloise and Roseland. Today, she remains a significant figure in British culture, balancing a quiet life in Cornwall with her continued influence on the literary world and occasional media appearances.
In this comprehensive guide, we delve deep into Judy Finnigan’s early beginnings in Manchester, her transformative years at the Albert Dock, her highly publicized personal life, and her successful transition into a Sunday Times bestselling novelist.
Early Life and Manchester Roots
Judy Finnigan was born Judith Adele Finnigan in 1948 and raised in the Newton Heath area of Manchester. She attended Briscoe Lane Primary School before pursuing higher education at the University of Bristol, where she studied English and Drama, a foundation that would later support her articulate and empathetic interviewing style.
Her career in media began behind the scenes as a secretary at the BBC in 1971. She quickly moved into production roles, becoming a researcher at Granada Television in Manchester, where she eventually broke through as a reporter and presenter, marking the start of her journey as a trailblazer for female journalists in the North West.
Meeting Richard Madeley
The professional and personal partnership of “Richard and Judy” began in 1982 when they met at Granada Television. At the time, both were married to other people, but they formed a close bond while working on separate news programs; Judy famously mentored Richard during his early days at the station.
The couple married in 1986 in Manchester and have two children together, Jack and Chloe, in addition to Judy’s twin sons from her first marriage. Their chemistry was so undeniable that television executives soon realized their potential as a presenting duo, leading to the birth of a new era in daytime television.
This Morning: The Liverpool Years
In October 1988, Judy Finnigan and Richard Madeley launched This Morning from the Albert Dock in Liverpool. The show revolutionized daytime TV by blending serious investigative journalism with celebrity interviews, cooking segments, and live phone-ins, creating a “magazine” format that remains the industry standard.
For over a decade, Judy was the emotional heart of the program, known for her sharp intellect and ability to connect with viewers on sensitive topics. The show moved its production to London in 1996, but the “Richard and Judy” brand remained synonymous with the program until their departure in 2001.
The Channel 4 Transition
After thirteen years on ITV, the duo moved to Channel 4 to host the teatime chat show Richard & Judy. This move allowed them to explore a slightly more mature format, focusing on daily news, human interest stories, and the now-legendary “You Say We Pay” quiz.
The Channel 4 era solidified Judy’s status as a household name, though it was not without its hurdles, including the infamous phone-scam controversy which the couple addressed with characteristic transparency. Despite the pressures of daily live television, Judy remained a consistent and grounding presence for the show’s millions of viewers until it concluded in 2008.
The Richard & Judy Book Club
One of Judy Finnigan’s most enduring legacies is the Richard & Judy Book Club, launched in 2004 as a segment on their Channel 4 show. Judy’s passion for literature transformed the UK publishing industry, as “The Richard and Judy Effect” could turn obscure titles into instant bestsellers overnight.
The club was praised for making reading accessible and community-driven, often featuring a mix of debut novelists and established authors. Even after their daily show ended, the book club lived on through partnerships with retailers like W.H. Smith, proving that Judy’s recommendation remains one of the most powerful endorsements in the literary world.
Transition to Bestselling Author
Following her retirement from full-time presenting, Judy turned her talents to creative writing, fulfilling a lifelong ambition to become a novelist. Her debut novel, Eloise, was published in 2012 and quickly became a Sunday Times bestseller, praised for its atmospheric tension and emotional depth.
She followed this success with I Do Not Sleep (2015) and her more recent work, Roseland (2023), which is set in her beloved Cornwall. Her writing often explores themes of family secrets, grief, and the haunting beauty of the British coastline, reflecting her personal transition into a more reflective and private stage of life.
Health Challenges and Transformation
In recent years, Judy has been open about her health, specifically a life-threatening experience in 2018 involving a ruptured stomach ulcer. The incident, caused by the overuse of ibuprofen for a knee injury, required emergency surgery and two life-saving blood transfusions.
Following this health scare, Judy underwent a significant lifestyle transformation with the help of her daughter, personal trainer Chloe Madeley. By adopting a diet rich in sushi and raw vegetables and focusing on portion control, she lost over two stone and has frequently been pictured looking radiant and healthy during her 70s.
Life in Cornwall Today
As of 2026, Judy Finnigan enjoys a largely private life in the picturesque village of Polperro, Cornwall. She and Richard have long cited the Cornish coast as their spiritual home, and they are frequently spotted enjoying coastal walks and local hospitality away from the frantic pace of London media circles.
While she has stepped back from the daily grind of television, she remains active in her literary pursuits and makes occasional guest appearances on This Morning for special anniversaries. Her focus remains on her family, including her growing number of grandchildren, and the quiet joy of a life well-lived in the countryside.
Legacy in British Broadcasting
Judy Finnigan’s impact on British media cannot be overstated; she was one of the first women to command a prime-time slot with equal billing and pay to her male co-host. Her “no-nonsense” approach to interviewing, combined with a genuine empathy for her subjects, paved the way for future generations of female broadcasters like Holly Willoughby and Ruth Langsford.
Her ability to remain authentic under the glare of the spotlight—including handling iconic “wardrobe malfunctions” at the National Television Awards with grace—has made her a relatable figure for millions. She remains a symbol of the “golden age” of British daytime television.
Practical Information and Planning
For fans wishing to engage with Judy Finnigan’s work or visit the locations associated with her career, the following details are essential:
- Book Club Selections: New Richard & Judy Book Club picks are typically announced seasonally (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter) and are available at major retailers like W.H. Smith.
- Literary Events: While Judy rarely tours, she occasionally appears at major literary festivals such as the Hay Festival or Cheltenham Literature Festival to discuss her latest novels.
- Visiting Cornwall: Fans of her novels can visit the Roseland Peninsula and Polperro. The area is best accessed by car or via train to Liskeard, followed by local bus services.
- What to Expect: Polperro is a historic fishing village with narrow streets; it is highly recommended to use the main car park at the top of the village and walk down to the harbor.
- Tips: If you are visiting the Albert Dock in Liverpool (the original home of This Morning), the area is now a major tourist hub with museums and restaurants, open daily from 10:00 AM to late.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Judy Finnigan? Judy Finnigan was born on May 16, 1948. As of 2026, she is 77 years old.
Is Judy Finnigan still married to Richard Madeley? Yes, Judy and Richard have been married since 1986. They remain one of the most enduring couples in British entertainment history.
How many children does Judy Finnigan have? Judy has four children: twin sons Dan and Tom from her first marriage, and a son, Jack, and daughter, Chloe, from her marriage to Richard Madeley.
What was Judy Finnigan’s health scare? In 2018, Judy nearly died from a ruptured stomach ulcer caused by taking too many ibuprofen tablets for a knee injury. She required two emergency blood transfusions.
Where does Judy Finnigan live now? Judy lives in a cliffside home in Polperro, Cornwall, where she spends most of her time away from the public eye.
What is the “Richard and Judy Effect”? This refers to the massive boost in book sales experienced by authors selected for their televised book club, often resulting in hundreds of thousands of copies sold.
Has Judy Finnigan written any books? Yes, she has written several bestselling novels, including Eloise, I Do Not Sleep, and Roseland, as well as a joint autobiography with Richard.
Why did Richard and Judy leave This Morning? They left in 2001 to host their own daily chat show on Channel 4, seeking a new challenge after thirteen years on the ITV program.
Did Judy Finnigan have a wardrobe malfunction? Yes, at the 2000 National Television Awards, Judy accidentally exposed her bra while accepting an award. The moment became one of the most famous live TV blips in UK history.
What is Judy Finnigan’s net worth? While exact figures are private, Judy and Richard are estimated to have a combined net worth of several million pounds due to their long TV careers and book deals.
Does Judy Finnigan still host the book club? The book club continues as a retail partnership with W.H. Smith, where Judy and Richard continue to select and endorse their favorite new reads.
Is Chloe Madeley Judy Finnigan’s daughter? Yes, Chloe Madeley is Judy’s youngest child and is a well-known personal trainer and media personality in her own right.
What did Judy Finnigan do before This Morning? She was a researcher and presenter for Granada Television in Manchester and previously worked as a secretary for the BBC.
Will Judy Finnigan return to TV? While she has largely retired from full-time presenting, she occasionally makes guest appearances on talk shows or special anniversary broadcasts.
What are Judy Finnigan’s best-known novels? Her debut novel Eloise remains her most famous fictional work, followed by the critically acclaimed Roseland.
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