Richard Madeley jokes GMB meteorologist Laura Tobin has ‘put on weight over Christmas’ as fans compare presenter to Alan Partridge
Richard Madeley joked that Laura Tobin had “gained weight” as she returned to Good Morning Britain on Tuesday after a Christmas break.
The meteorologist, 41, explained how she had been away for 'almost a month' before the television presenter, 67, made the awkward blunder.
Richard, who has long been compared to Steve Coogan's comedy character Alan Partridge, was again compared to the Norfolk-based DJ.
As the presenters welcomed Laura back to the studio, the weather forecaster explained that she had been away for a while.
“And you've gained a lot of weight from lack of exercise, haven't you?” Richard joked.
Richard Madeley (pictured with co-host Susanna Reid) joked that Laura Tobin had 'gained weight' as she returned to Good Morning Britain on Tuesday after a Christmas break
The meteorologist, 41, explained how she had been away for 'almost a month' before the television presenter, 67, made the awkward blunder
Susanna Reid interjected: “You wouldn't be alone Laura, because I ate for Britain.”
His co-host then claimed that Richard's New Year's resolution should be 'trying not to offend Laura'.
Laura explained that she had eaten a few pasties and added, “I'm going to waddle around the studio later, Richard.”
“We're not going any further this morning, are we?” he hit back.
Fans at home shared their thoughts on Twitter/X, with one person commenting: 'Madeley/Partridge doing his best to upset Laura today.'
“Richard Madeley makes Alan Partridge look like a real salt of the earth,” another added.
A third posted: 'Day 2 of 2024 and I see Richard Madeley has learned nothing from 2023.'
When Richard was quizzed by MailOnline about the 2021 comparisons, he hit back and admitted: 'It's unfair', while also insisting he isn't 'reasonably important' due to his 'pointless' career in entertainment TV.
“And you've gained a lot of weight from lack of exercise, haven't you?” Richard joked
Richard, who has long been compared to Steve Coogan's comedy character Alan Partridge, was again compared to Norfolk-based DJ
When Richard was quizzed by MailOnline about the 2021 comparisons, he hit back and admitted: 'It's unfair', while also insisting he isn't 'fairly important' due to his 'pointless' career (Steve Coogan as Alan Partridge on took the photo)
Addressing the comparisons Alan Partridge made about him. Richard insisted: “I honestly don't care at all – it's actually quite funny. It's part of the work I do.
'It's so important that you don't take yourself seriously, because then you won't have a good time.
'Judy and I started This Morning, which isn't exactly difficult news. I don't go to war zones, I do popular television, which is generally quite pointless, it's just entertainment. It doesn't mean you're remotely important or interesting.
'If people want to take what I say – a joke or a comment – and compare me to Alan Partridge – good luck to them. I think some quotes are often taken so ridiculously out of context that it becomes a bit unfair.”