Richard Madeley faced off with RMT boss Mick Lynch on Good Morning Britain today, and had an absolute meltdown about it.
The GMB presenter has been accused of going ‘full Alan Partridge’ while speaking to the rail union boss about the upcoming strike action.
In the ‘toe-curlingly awful’ interview, Richard suffered a bout of verbal diarrhoea and appeared to be unable to stop interrupting Mick, who was trying his hardest to get a word in edgeways.
Ironically, the clash was about the fact that Mick wasn’t answering the question.
The RMT boss calmly shut down Richard mid-rant, asking him: “Richard, why don’t you just interview yourself?”
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During the squabble, GMB co-presenter Kate Garraway was seen desperately tried to restore some order.
Mick Lynch on GMB. Credit: GMBRichard Madeley on GMB. Credit: GMBThe pair continually ended up talking over each other.
The rail workers had been accused by Richard of ‘targeting people at Christmas’ and even of ‘sadism’ with the timing of rail strikes this month.
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In the clips, Mick says: “We’ve not targeted Christmas, it isn’t Christmas yet Richard.
“I don’t know when your Christmas starts but mine starts from Christmas Eve. So we are striking at this time because-“
He’s then interrupted by Richard again, who called him ‘disingenuous’ because ‘commercial Christmas’ starts earlier in December.
As the presenter continues to talk, Mick says: “Richard, you’re just talking to yourself at the minute. You’re ranting. Richard you’re ranting here.”
After an awkward pause, he then asks: “Right have you finished then?”
When Mick is asked: “Are you going to answer the question?” he responds: “Well if you give me a minute I will.”
“I won’t let you get away with nonsense!” Richard then bursts out. “Christmas does not start on Christmas Eve.”
Kate Garraway trying to stop the argument between Richard Madeley and Mick Shaw. Credit: GMB
An exasperated Mick says: “Richard, why don’t you just interview yourself?”
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He replies: “I’m holding you to account on behalf of the viewers. I’m not interested in the sound of my own voice, I’d like to hear yours answering the question.”
Mick says: “Well if you’d like to hear mine why don’t you just stop talking for a second?”
Richard then says it’s ‘his job’ to keep interrupting until an interviewee answers the question which is… a loose interpretation of his actual job role.
You can watch the full Richard Madeley vs Mick Lynch spat here:
The interview has been widely shared on Twitter today, with people praising the calm behaviour of Mick Lynch.
One person wrote: “Mick Lynch making Richard Madeley look like an absolute gobsh*te. Madeley wasn’t conducting an interview. He simply went on a rant, giving his own political opinions and attacking the @RMTunion and it’s members. GMB should get rid of this fool.”
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Another person said: “Richard Madeley makes himself look foolish here. He didn’t ‘grill’ Mick Lynch, he ranted at him. Prat.”
Someone else said: “Richard Madeley goes ultra Alan Partridge ranting about when Christmas starts. Toe curlingly awful. Well played Mick Lynch.”
And another commented: “Absolutely brilliant watching Richard Madeley having a full on Partridge style meltdown and having has arse to him by Mick Lynch on @GMB just now. Now sitting sulking like a mardarse. Wonder if Madeley will be as ridiculous to the boss of Network Rail… #GMB”
Featured image: GMB
TV & Showbiz
Live comedy nights are returning to a beloved bar in Chorlton
Danny Jones
We’re all in need of a good chuckle, especially in these dark and colder months, which is why we’re buzzing to hear the local venue, The Garden Bar in Chorlton, is bringing back comedy nights after a sold-out debut this year.
Sod your January blues, let’s have a laugh.
That’s right, the bar and restaurant – formerly well-known under the legendary Font brand – is set to supply the giggles once again after the place was packed out for its first show of 2026.
Promising a top-tier line-up of comedians to the heart of the suburbs for an evening of “sharp wit, big laughs and brilliant live entertainment”, we can’t think of a better way to start the working week.
Credit: Press shots (supplied)
With doors opening at 7pm and the show proper starting around an hour later, The Garden‘s fantastic food menu will be available as usual on the night.
Whether you want to share a pizza, smash some burgers or have a simple sarnie, guests aren’t just being welcomed to arrive early for a cheeky pre-show meal.
And it goes without saying that having an evening of stand-up comedy in a popular neighbourhood bar makes for the perfect place to take a night off from ‘Dry Jan’ if you fancy it, but of course, there will be plenty of zero-alcohol options, as well as soft and hot drinks if not.
To be fair, it’s been fun weeknights like this that have made it easier for us this year.
Now, as for the latest roster of roasters, comics and comperes, you’re in for a treat this coming Monday, 19 January.
The night will be hosted by veteran Tony Vino, a charismatic and quick-witted compere known for his warm crowd work and infectious energy. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Co-headlining the show is local lad, Stephen Bailey; the Tameside comedian, presenter, writer and television personality’s popularity only seems to keep growing of late.
Outside the live circuit itself, the Denton stand-up and jack of all trades has appeared on everything from the Takeshi’s Castle reboot and Celebrity Mastermind, to The Stand Up Sketch Show and Richard Osman’s House of Games, as well as being a regular comedian on Big Brother‘s ‘Bit on the Side’.
Joining him is seasoned comic, writer and actor and self-confessed former football hooligan, Eddy Brimson. Known for his no-nonsense style and unapologetic humour, he’s no stranger to touring up and down the UK, bringing stories drawn from his real life with warmth and plenty of bite.
Featured Images — Publicity pictures (supplied)/The Garden Bar (via Facebook)
TV & Showbiz
Ian McKellen to play legendary Salford artist L.S. Lowry in new BBC documentary
Emily Sergeant
Sir Ian McKellen has landed himself an exciting new role, and he’s set to play one of Greater Manchester’s most iconic sons.
One of the most celebrated British actors of all time playing one of the most celebrated British artists of all time? It was meant to be. That’s right, Ian McKellen is set to portray Salford’s very-own L.S. Lowry in the new BBC documentary, L.S. Lowry: The Unheard Tapes, produced by award-winning Wall to Wall Mediaand coming soon to BBC Two and iPlayer.
Marking 50 years since Lowry’s death, this immersive documentary film will focus on the touching and often surprising exchange between the enigmatic artist and Angela Barratt – a young fan whose interviews capture Lowry in his most intimate and reflective moments.
Recorded in the artist’s own living room, these tapes reveal Lowry’s authentic voice, which Burnley-born actor McKellen will lip-sync on screen.
Across these candid conversations, Lowry traces his journey from childhood right through to his final days, sharing the memories and experiences that shaped him both as an artist, and crucially, as a man.
Alongside this deeply personal account, the documentary is also set to explore the dramatic transformation of Salford and Greater Manchester, which Lowry, of course, depicted so prolifically in his work.
“To give play to Lowry through his own voice has been a unique privilege,” commented Ian McKellen as his casting was announced this week.
“These tapes reveal an intimate insight into the artist’s thoughts – his ambitions, regrets and his humour. Anyone like me, who admires his paintings and drawings, will be intrigued and delighted that the artist is brought back to life through his own words.”
Mark Bell, who is the Commissioning Editor at BBC Arts, added: “Marking 50 years since Lowry’s death, and celebrating Arena’s own 50-year tradition of ambitious, intelligent storytelling, this film comes at a very special moment.
“The inspired casting of Ian McKellen and Annabel Smith feels like life imitating art in the best possible way. But this film isn’t just about the life of the artist, it also provides an insight into the realities of urban life in Greater Manchester in the 20th century.”
L.S. Lowry: The Unheard Tapes is directed by James Kent, following his recent Emmy win for Lost Boys and Fairies, with executive producer Morgana Pugh, and producer Hannah Mirsky.
Further broadcast details will be announced in due course.
Featured Image – BBC / Wall to Wall Media Ltd / Connor Harris
Daisy Jackson -
13th December 2022 
