Richard Madeley on worrying health condition that still haunts him 28 years after dad’s death

‘I finally managed to stop aged 40’

Richard Madeley quit smoking after interviewing a famous person affected by the habit’s harmful effects. But the thought of the deadly illness continues to scare him years later.

The Good Morning Britain host, 68, lost his father when he was only 21. He also endured abuse at the hands of his late dad, about which he has spoken openly.

So, what’s the health condition Richard is worried about and what made him quit smoking? The TV presenter has shared his fears.

Richard Madeley on Good Morning Britain
Richard quit smoking at 40 (Credit: Good Morning Britain/YouTube)

Richard Madeley worried about cancer

Having lost his father to a smoking-related illness when was young, the TV host is worried about facing a greater risk of cancer compared to non-smokers.

Now 68, Richard gave up smoking when he was 40 following an impactful interview with John Diamond. The famous journalist and first husband Nigella Lawson died of throat and lung cancer in 2001.

The GMB host had tried to quit smoking “numerous” times before,  with his attempts always failing. However, he was “so shaken” from the interview that he finally gave up the unhealthy habit, but its dangers continue to haunt him years later.

He wrote in his Daily Express column recently: “I finally managed to stop aged 40, after interviewing John Diamond, Nigella Lawson’s first husband, who was dying (horribly) from smoking-induced throat cancer. I was so shaken by the encounter I never touched a cigarette again.”

He confessed: “Even so, I’ve been left with a permanently impaired respiratory system and my cancer risk will never return completely to normal.”

Richard Madeley poses with his hands in his pockets at The Royal Festival Hall in London.
Richard Madeley lost his dad when he was 21 (Credit: Cover Images)

Richard discusses quitting smoking

The broadcaster admitted that he started smoking when he was young. Back in the day, he wasn’t worried about the consequences of the habit.

He said: “If you’d offered me varenicline when I was 21, I would have bitten your arm off.” Varenicline is an anti-smoking drug made available on the NHS to help people quit smoking.

But Richard said he would have loved to have had access to the simple daily pill. It works by blocking nicotine’s effects on the brain, thus naturally reducing your cravings to smoke.

Varenicline is safely available in the UK with a prescription. Visit NHS Better Health if you’re struggling to quit smoking.