Richard and Judy returned to host 'This Morning' and viewers loved it

This Morning welcomed back Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan today as the couple guest presented the programme.

They were the original hosts of the daytime TV fixture from October 1988 to July 2001 but returned this Friday for a one-off hosting stint. On the reasons behind the return, they've commented: "We’re doing it purely for fun and because the viewers asked us to."

As they graced television screens on Friday morning, those watching at home were excited to see them back together on the show after 18 years away from hosting duties.

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Viewers shared their views to Twitter, with one fan declaring: "Wow, forgot how relaxed and professional Richard and Judy are at presenting. Brilliant to see them back on #ThisMorning #RichardandJudy."

It brought back particular childhood memories for some who were reminded of watching the programme while off sick from school.

While fans may be delighted to see the pair back on This Morning, they have ruled out a permanent comeback.

Ahead of their return, they said: "Nope! Like we said, there’s no agenda here – ITV asked us to do a show, we thought ‘what the hell, why not’ and it’s as simple as that."

After Madeley, 63, and Finnigan, 71, left the programme in 2001 they went on to host Channel 4's Richard and Judy until 2009.

Madeley has intermittently filled in as a presenter on Good Morning Britain since 2017 and also appeared as a contestant in gameshow The Circle at the end of last month.

One of his fellow players, Georgina Elliot, appeared on This Morning today to discuss Crohn’s disease. She and Madeley were involved in a touching moment in the programme as the presenter praised her for opening up about being Crohn’s sufferer.