Why is Richard Madeley doing The Circle?
Will Madeley finally go full Partridge on the social media gameshow?
The Circle is back for another round, with the social media (un)reality show garnering a cult following thanks to the antics of its catfishing contestants and overall dystopian feel.
But if you thought series one got weird at point, series two is set to be even stranger from the outset, with Richard Madeley (yes, that Richard Madeley) entering the game from the start.
However, he won’t be entering the game as himself – in a new twist, viewers will be able to choose the profile the presenter will embody throughout his time in the social media game.
Here’s the lowdown on just why Madeley is doing the show – and how he plans to win.
Why is Richard Madeley entering The Circle?
A very good question. With its intriguing and unique concept, the 63-year-old broadcast had his interested piqued when asked to do the show.
“I normally say no to reality shows, things like Strictly and I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here and stuff,” he explained.
“This is genuinely different. I was quite intrigued by it at the time and it got some very interesting write-ups. It's not your normal reality show. It's got quite a lot going for it intellectually as well as being a lot of fun. So, when they knocked on the door, straight away, I was quite intrigued.”
What has Richard Madeley’s family had to say?
Unsurprisingly, Madeley has explained that wife Judy Finnigan is "completely baffled".
“She was a bit surprised as to why I said yes,” he said. “But then I explained it to her and she kind of got it.”
However, Madeley’s children Jack and Chloe think Madeley’s appearance in The Circle is a brilliant idea – as does the rest of the nation.
“They thought it was a really, really cool thing to do,” Madeley added.
What is Richard Madeley’s game plan for The Circle?
It’s up to us at home to decide who Madeley plays as – with the presenter bracing himself for the public to choose the most embarrassing profile.
“This is going to be my Boaty McBoatface moment,” he said. “But I’m going to take it as it comes and try not to make a complete pr*** of myself!”
While Madeley does not have a solid game plan at the minute, he added that he intends to be an “agent of mischief” in The Circle.
“I suspect I'll probably have to be quite young in order to fit in," he said. "I think what I'm going to have to try and avoid doing is not attempt to be cool or clever, or as we used to say, a very old-fashioned phrase, a wise guy.
“I think I've just got to take it as it comes, basically be quite kind while I'm talking to people and stay away from difficult topics that can easily be misinterpreted.”
Richard Madeley: Key Facts
Age: 63
Occupation: Broadcaster, journalist and author
From: London
Relationship Status: Married
Playing as: A profile to be decided by viewers at home
The Circle launches tonight at 9.15pm and continues weeknights at 10pm on Channel 4
