Judy Finnigan: Life, Career, Family, Health, Marriage to Richard Madeley, Net Worth & Personal Journey

Judy Finnigan is a name that has been deeply embedded in British television culture for decades. Known for her warm on-screen presence, sharp wit, and honest opinions, she became one half of one of the UK’s most recognisable broadcasting partnerships alongside her husband, Richard Madeley. Beyond television, Judy Finnigan is also a successful author, journalist, wife, mother, and survivor of serious health challenges. This detailed article explores who Judy Finnigan is, her age, family background, relationships, health scares, net worth, and her life away from the spotlight.

Who Is Judy Finnigan?

Judy Finnigan, born Judith Adele Finnigan, is a British television presenter, journalist, and novelist. She rose to national fame in the late 1980s and 1990s through her work on daytime television, most notably as a co-host of This Morning and later Richard & Judy. Her broadcasting style was refreshingly honest and relatable, helping redefine daytime TV in the UK.

Over time, Judy transitioned away from regular television appearances and focused on writing, becoming a bestselling novelist. Despite stepping back from the limelight, she remains a public figure of interest due to her influential career, long-lasting marriage, and personal resilience.

Judy Finnigan Age and Early Life

Judy Finnigan was born on 16 May 1948 in Newton Heath, Manchester, England. As of 2025, Judy Finnigan is 77 years old.

She grew up in a working-class family in Manchester and was raised with strong values around education, independence, and self-expression. Judy attended Manchester High School for Girls, where she developed a love for literature and performance. She later studied English and Drama at the University of Bristol, a foundation that would later support her career in journalism and broadcasting.

Judy Finnigan Father, Family, Brothers, and Sisters

Judy Finnigan was born into a close-knit family. Her father worked as an engineer, while her mother was a homemaker who played a significant role in encouraging Judy’s education and ambition.

She is the second of three children:

• One older brother
• One younger brother

Judy has often spoken about growing up with brothers and how it shaped her confidence and resilience. Although her siblings have chosen private lives away from the media, Judy has described her family upbringing as supportive and grounding, providing a sense of normality despite her later fame.

Judy Finnigan Career: From Journalism to TV Stardom

Early Career

Judy began her professional journey as a journalist and researcher at Granada Television in the early 1970s. Initially working behind the scenes, her intelligence and communication skills soon led her to presenting roles.

Breakthrough on Television

Her career took a dramatic turn when she began co-presenting This Morning on ITV in 1988 alongside Richard Madeley. The pair’s chemistry was undeniable, and they quickly became one of the most loved TV duos in the UK.

Richard & Judy Era

After leaving This Morning, the couple launched Richard & Judy on Channel 4 in 2001. The show became hugely influential, particularly for:

• Book recommendations (the famous Richard & Judy Book Club)
• Celebrity interviews
• Honest discussions about relationships, health, and social issues

The show ran successfully until 2008 and cemented Judy Finnigan’s status as a broadcasting icon.

Judy Finnigan Net Worth

Judy Finnigan’s estimated net worth is around $10–12 million, accumulated through:

• Television presenting contracts
• Production and media deals
• Book sales as a bestselling novelist
• Public appearances and royalties

When combined with her husband Richard Madeley’s earnings, the couple’s joint wealth is believed to be significantly higher. However, Judy has never been known for flaunting wealth and prefers a relatively private, low-key lifestyle.

Judy Finnigan Health Scare and Health Condition

Major Health Scare

One of the most talked-about moments in Judy Finnigan’s later life was her serious health scare in 2018. She suffered a ruptured stomach ulcer, a life-threatening condition that required urgent medical attention.

The ulcer reportedly caused internal bleeding, and Judy needed emergency treatment and blood transfusions. The incident shocked fans and highlighted how serious undiagnosed medical issues can become.

Cause and Recovery

The health scare was believed to be linked to prolonged use of painkillers taken on an empty stomach. Following her recovery, Judy made significant changes to her lifestyle, including:

• Adjusting her diet
• Reducing stress
• Becoming more mindful of her health

Judy Finnigan Current Condition

As of recent years, Judy Finnigan’s current condition is stable. She has been seen attending family events and appearing in public photographs looking healthy and relaxed. Although she avoids regular TV appearances, her recovery has been described as successful, and she now prioritises wellbeing over professional commitments.

Judy Finnigan Relationships and Marriage

Judy Finnigan and Richard Madeley

Judy met Richard Madeley while working at Granada Television in the early 1980s. At the time, both were in other relationships, but their professional connection soon developed into a personal one.

They married in 1986, and their relationship has lasted nearly four decades—an exceptionally long marriage in the entertainment industry.

Why Their Relationship Worked

Their marriage is often praised because of:

• Mutual respect
• Shared professional experiences
• Open communication
• A strong sense of humour

Even when facing public criticism or controversy, Judy and Richard consistently supported one another.

Judy Finnigan New Partner: Identity and Truth

There has been no verified information confirming that Judy Finnigan has a new partner. Despite occasional online rumours, Judy Finnigan remains married to Richard Madeley.

Speculation about a “new partner” often arises due to her reduced public appearances, but credible sources confirm that Judy and Richard are still together. Any claims about a new partner identity appear to be unfounded gossip rather than fact.

Judy Finnigan Married To Whom?

Judy Finnigan is married to Richard Madeley, a well-known British television presenter and journalist. Their marriage has become one of the most recognisable long-term partnerships in UK media history.

Judy Finnigan Kids and Children

Judy Finnigan is a mother of four children:

From Her First Marriage

Before marrying Richard Madeley, Judy was married to journalist David Henshaw, with whom she had twin sons:

• Dan
• Tom

The twins were born in 1977 and have largely stayed out of the public eye.

With Richard Madeley

Judy and Richard have two children together:

• Jack Madeley (born 1986)
• Chloe Madeley (born 1987)

Chloe Madeley is a well-known fitness trainer, author, and television personality. Judy has spoken proudly about her children and grandchildren, often describing family life as her greatest achievement.

Life Away From Television

In recent years, Judy Finnigan has chosen a quieter lifestyle. She spends her time:

• Writing novels
• Enjoying family life
• Reading and researching
• Supporting her husband and children

Her decision to step back from TV was voluntary and rooted in a desire for peace and balance after decades in the public eye.

Judy Finnigan as an Author

Judy reinvented herself as a novelist later in life. Her debut novel “Eloise” became a bestseller, proving her talent extended beyond broadcasting. Subsequent novels further established her credibility as a serious writer, particularly in historical and psychological fiction.

Legacy and Influence

Judy Finnigan’s influence on British media is undeniable. She helped:

• Redefine daytime television
• Normalise open conversations on personal topics
• Inspire women to pursue media careers later in life

Her journey demonstrates resilience, reinvention, and authenticity.

Final Thoughts

Judy Finnigan’s life is a story of success, challenge, love, and transformation. From her early days in Manchester to becoming a national television icon, from surviving a life-threatening health scare to building a lasting marriage with Richard Madeley, her journey is both inspiring and relatable.

At a time when celebrity culture often focuses on controversy, Judy Finnigan represents longevity, substance, and grace. Articles like this help preserve her story for readers seeking meaningful celebrity biographies—exactly the kind of insightful content published on platforms like infizo, where in-depth storytelling meets trusted information.