A GOOD Morning Britain anchor has revealed they’ll be “on leave” from tomorrow in a presenter shake-up – and will be taking most of the month off.
The ITV broadcaster, 54, joked they were “retiring from public life” as they opened up on their upcoming absence.
Entertainment reporter Richard Arnold will be off-screen until October 21 and enjoying a well-deserved break.
After Good Morning Britain frontman Ed Balls, 57, asked: “Where are you going?” he told how he would be spending some time with his parent Dot.
The TV star now spends hours a day looking after the 81-year-old in the afternoons after hosting the showbiz news.
He joked: “I am retiring from public life until the 21st, then I will be back for Pride Of Britain.”
Ed continued: “Are you off to an island?” to which Richard said: “No.
“I will be spending a bit of quality time with mother as always.”
Fellow host Susanna Reid, 53, said: “Aww you are the ideal son.
“I just hope that my boys at your age say the same thing.”
This prompted Richard to quip: “I wish my mother would say the same thing but I think she’s thinking I’m a little bit too needy.
“You left home at 17 son, thank you and goodnight.”
Susanna then added: “All our love to your lovely mum.”
In December, Richard opened up on what he deemed a “challenging year” for his family.
After revealing it was his last work shift of 2023 before the festive break he said: “I would like to thank the staff at St Mary’s Hospital who have looked after my mum on and off.
“The care teams out there, all of you out there who do that job – and unsung.
“And to all my friends and family who have wrapped me up in cotton wool this year as well, in what has been quite a challenging year.
“And to all my friends and colleagues and the entertainment team who put this stellar slot together.
“We managed to get to the end of the year gang!
“Merry Christmas to you all, have a good one.”
Richard previously told how his co-star Kate Garraway had been a source of support behind the scenes.
Kate was a carer for her late husband Derek Draper for almost four years, before he tragically passed away in January.
Speaking to The Sun, for Sue Ryder’s Grief Kind Campaign, he said: “It’s been a very public journey for Kate as well as a very private one and I think the spotlight that she’s put on the caring profession, in particular because I, you know, I care for my mum daily.
“Mum had a bout of ill health last year and unfortunately she’s now no longer independent and I’m there every day.
“I remember saying to Kate, you know, you sort of feel guilty when you are there, are you doing enough? And then you feel guilty when you’re not there enough. Anyone who’s in that position as a sort of unpaid carer knows it’s a huge responsibility.
“Particularly with someone that you love and cherish and you want to make every day the best you can for them.
“So what Kate has done in shining a light on that community I think it’s extraordinary.”
