Spalding holds a special place in the hearts of Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, the couple revealed when they visited the town this week.
TV presenter, journalist and author Judy gave a talk at Bookmark, in The Crescent, to promote her latest novel I Do Not Sleep.
Richard accompanied her and said the couple were last in Spalding two-and-three-quarter years ago to promote Judy’s first novel Eloise.
He revealed it was on that day they received the news their granddaughter had been born – and discovered Eloise was in the Sunday Times Top Ten.
He said: “Spalding has a golden place in our hearts.”
Judy added: “It was a wonderful day. I really left Spalding on a high and I am absolutely delighted to come back.”
The couple, famed for their years presenting ITV’s This Morning and, more recently, establishing The Richard and Judy Book Club, caused quite a stir in the town during their visit on Thursday as they were spotted strolling around together before the talk.
Following their appearance at Bookmark, they went for a meal at Italian restaurant Amici and stayed overnight at The Cley Hall Hotel.
Richard, also a journalist and author, said: “Coming to slightly out of the way places people are often more enthused, a bit less blasé, there’s more connection between you as a writer and the audience.”
Richard interviewed his wife in front of a crowd of around 150 at Bookmark, asking her about the inspiration for her novel, the challenges of writing and the strength of maternal love.
The couple then answered questions from the audience before signing piles of books for fans and speaking to them individually.
I Do Not Sleep centres around a mother whose grown up son is lost in a sailing accident, presumed dead, and her inability to rest until she knows what happened to him. It is published by Sphere.
Report and photo by Louise Chapman (@byLouiseChapman)
