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.
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
You can watch The Traitors finale on a big screen in Manchester next week
Emily Sergeant
The finale of The Traitors is hitting our TV screens next week, and there’s a big screening party happening in Manchester especially for it.
Fancy sitting down to watch one of the cultural events of the year on a big screen with dozens of others who are just as invested in the show as you are? Well, now you can.
The third series of hit BBC reality competition show, The Traitors, has undeniably captured the attentions of the nation yet again since it first aired on New Year’s Day, and viewers have been tuning in in their millions to watch the three episodes each week ever since, as well as taking to social media to share their thoughts and weigh in on every little twist and turn.
But if you’re keen to watch the finale surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd of fans, then one of Manchester’s newest social venues is giving you the chance to do just that.
Back by popular demand after last year’s event at the neighbouring GRUB, Fairfield Social Club, just outside the city centre, is hosting its very-own The Traitors Finale Screening Party next Friday.
It’s hosted by viral internet sensations – and The Traitors fans – Sam O’Leary and Tom Lawrinson.
Kicking off from 7pm, this themed event will feature sketches, prizes, and loads of Traitors-inspired fun, all before watching the final on a big screen so you can see the drama unfold right as it happens.
You can watch The Traitors finale on a big screen in Manchester next week / Credit: BBC | Supplied
If all of that wasn’t brilliant enough as it is, there’ll be even free drinks on offer for anyone who comes dressed in a cloak, or with a solid Claudia Winkleman-esque fringe.
Fancy dress is optional, but who can say no to a free drink?
The Traitors Finale Screening Party is happening down at Fairfield Social Club next Friday 24 January from 7pm, and tickets are now on sale for £15.
The new Match of the Day presenter lineup has been confirmed
Danny Jones
The brand-new presenter lineup has been confirmed for Match of the Day (MotD) following the departures of Gary Lineker and Ian Wright.
Lineker had been the lead anchor on the BBC’s flagship football programme for 25 years, spanning generations of fans after taking over the equally iconic Des Lynam back in 1999.
The 64-year-old ex-pro and England star is still in post at present but will be stepping down after the conclusion of the current Premier League season.
Following months of speculation around who would be taking over in the main chair across from regular pundits like Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, the corporation has now confirmed its new core team.
After reports began appearing earlier this month, popular presenter Kelly Cates is making the big switch to become one of three main hosts, though she does already host BBC Radio 5 Live’s Tuesday night sports coverage.
The daughter of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish and a familiar face on Sky Sports weekly matchday on-screen talent since 2016 after first appearing as part of Sky Sports News back in 1998, she’s a recognisable face to anyone who regularly watches football. A great appointment.
‘Chappers’ continues in post
In at number two – a number he’s become more than familiar with during his time as part of the existing Match of the Day team – Mark Chapman isn’t going anywhere and will now be sharing an equal third of the presenting duties as co-host.
Chapman joined MotD back in 2013 following the departure of Colin Murray and has gone on to present various other BBC Sport productions, including their NFL coverage. ‘Chappers’ isn’t going anywhere and rightly so.
Gabby Logan remains a BBC Sport stalwart
Third and finally, Football Focus mainstay, multi-discipline sports presenter and BBC veteran, Gabby Logan, is taking her rightful place on the Match of the Day panel. About time if you ask us.
Also the son of a famous footballer – Leeds legend and Wales international Terry Yorath – and a retired athlete herself, having competed as a rhythmic gymnast, she’s been a household name on British telly for as long as most of us can remember.
As for Lineker, you can expect an emotional send-off when he does call it this May.
The former Leicester, Everton, Barcelona and Spurs player will still be serving as a key part of the BBC’s FA Cup presenting team as well as future Euros and World Cups.
We’ll always have the memories, eh, Gary?
The new Match of the Day presenters have some big shorts to fill.