Good Morning Britain’s Richard Madeley slammed for ‘cutting off’ Ricky Hatton as he opens up on suicide battle
GOOD Morning Britain host Richard Madeley was slammed by furious fans after “cutting off” boxer Ricky Hatton as he opened up on his dark suicide battle.
The ITV anchor, 67, was called out by a slew of viewers as he interrupted the Manchester-based champ – who publicly spoke on his mental health last year.
It came as Ricky, 44, bravely talked about the moment he realised he needed professional help.
He told Good Morning Britain anchors Kate Garraway, 56, and Richard how he had “turned himself around.”
He said he had gone to see a psychiatrist and candidly admitted: “I opened the door and just fell on my knees.
“I said ‘you need to help me or I am going to kill myself. I won’t be here next week I can’t do it.
“‘You need to tell me what to do today or I am not going to be here …’ before Richard cut him off and said: “Thank God you did.”
Ricky continued: “I spoke to him and got my little routine,” before Richard again repeated the “thank God you did,” interjection.
The former This Morning anchor kept stating the phrase before frankly admitting: “Just very quickly because as always, we are out of time, got to wrap this up,” before asking the sports ace one final question.
Viewers took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to rant about the interruption with one writing: “Yeah cut the guy off who’s talking about suicide.”
Another put: “Let Ricky talk FFS!!!!”
One then commented: “Stupid long questions to Hatton,” as another wrote: “GMB Madeley stops him talking about something interesting so he can witter on.”
A show fan then directed their attention to Ricky and wrote: “I love you man. #workingclasshero is something to be.”
Ricky later opened up on his new TV documentary about his depression and suicide struggles and confessed: “If one person can take something from the documentary it will be well worth it.
“I hope everyone enjoys it I really do.”
Previously Ricky told how his documentary would showcase his “depression, addiction and shame.”
The new film will portray the British boxing hero’s rise from humble beginnings in Manchester to world champion status.
The behind-the-scenes film, set to air on Sky in September, is said to be “raw and compelling”.
The Hitman returned to the ring after a ten year absence last November, facing Marco Antonio Barrera in an exhibition bout.
You're Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
- Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123
- Movember, www.uk.movember.com
- Anxiety UK www.anxietyuk.org.uk, 03444 775 774 Monday-Friday 9.30am-10pm, Saturday/Sunday 10am-8pm