I actually quite like them (Richard & Judy)

Member Name: NikkiH

Product:	Richard & Judy
Date:	12/01/02 (526 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Something new, Good teatime viewing

Disadvantages: Too cheesy for some

When Richard and Judy announced that they were quitting This Morning, and had signed a deal with Channel 4, I thought that the only way for the pair was down. How could they match the success they had achieved on ITV? It was a very brave move, and one that I hoped would pay off. This sentiment was echoed 5 months ago, especially when their replacements failed to keep the loyal audience they had built up.

I can't say that I am huge fans of the couple, but I always watched them if I was having a sickie, and they became my constant companions when I was on maternity leave, and some days they seemed like the only adult contact I had.

When the first show aired, Judy got her own back on Richard, and she opened the show, "I'm Judy Finnegan, and this is my husband Richard Madeley", as it was known that Judy was outraged that this is how Richard opened their first show on This Morning.

The new show is not that different to This Morning. They have kept all of the slots that they know keep the viewers happy. They have an abundance of celebrities confessing secrets and taking part in some weird activities. (Sophie Ellis Bextor demonstrated how easy it is to tie knot in a cherry stalk with her tongue!). The very first interview on the show was Les Dennis and Amanda Holden, and I waited with baited breath to see if anyone was brave enough to bring up their marital problems.

The unintentional funny phone in is still there, and Richard still empathises a bit too much for my liking, while Judy sighs, and raises her eyes in embarrassment. They are like all couples, it is hilarious viewing.

My favourite segment is the quiz at the end of the show called "You Say, We Pay". Viewers call a premium rate number with the answer to a ridiculously easy question. A random correct caller is chosen and they are called up, then have to describe pictures to Richard and Judy which are shown on a screen behind them. The viewe
r gets £1000 for each correct answer. Easy? Not to some people who um and ah for 60 seconds, and go away with poor winnings. Richard can become very excited at this point and is regularly scolded and told to calm down by Judy while she tuts loudly in disapproval.

Not everything is the same though. They have sensibly left the patronising psychologist Raj Persaud behind to fight for his job on the new look This Morning.

All that said though, it is not the regular segments or even the guests who make the new show. It is Richard and Judy, and the obvious chemistry they have. They have an ease with each other that only people in relationships have, and they make no attempt to hide it. Their banter is witty and affectionate, and they can still be professional when doing all of this.

Critics have not been kind about the new show, but I don't think they have ever been complimentary about the couple. They have laughed while the show failed to beat The Weakest Link in the ratings, but forgot to mention that they never said they were trying to, and that they also beat the shows on BBC1 and ITV at the same time.

I like the new show, it is easy viewing, and I have just decided that in fact I do like Richard and Judy!

Summary: