Richard Madeley's 'very difficult' time away from GMB as he addresses future on show

Richard Madeley has hinted that he might have to leave Good Morning Britain if he wants to continue his career as an author. The broadcaster confessed that he struggled to meet the deadline for his latest book as the demands of presenting the morning show left him "mentally too tired" to focus on writing.

Richard, 68, initially thought it would be easy to balance both roles but soon realised the impact morning television can have on one's life. The former This Morning host said: "I've just published my fourth novel and, actually, I found it very difficult to complete that one." He admitted that unlike his previous books, this one was several years behind schedule because of his commitments to Good Morning Britain.

Richard thought it would be "simple" to juggle the show with writing, but found himself left with "not much intellectual energy" afterwards. "You can wash the car and go shopping, but to sit down and actually think creatively about the next chapter of the book, I found very difficult, I was mentally just too tired," he added.

Speaking on The Dr Hilary Show podcast, the host disclosed that any future book projects would have to wait until his stint on the show concludes, reports the Mirror. He remarked: "I found that GMB crowded out my novel writing, in fact I got most of the book written, maybe up to half of it written, when I was in quarantine (for I'm A Celebrity).

"I need to be calm and quiet and rested in order to write, so I haven't taken on a commission for another book just yet.If I do write another one, I think it will be when I finish doing GMB."

With his regular bustling presence on-screen, Richard doesn't seem ready to bid goodbye to his morning TV stint just yet. Earlier this year, he admitted that he's enjoying a "fun" period in his media pursuits and feels quite "settled" with his spot on the ITV show.

Reach PLC has contacted a representative for ITV for comment.