ON The Cover Judy Finnigan: Alone at Christmas
Judy Finnigan is dreading the festive season after being delivered a devastating double blow…
It’s not been an easy year for TV star Judy Finnigan. After setting out on her new fitness mission – a tough feat for anyone – Judy, 69, has been pictured looking noticeably thinner, with some fans airing their concerns for her ‘frail’ appearance after she reportedly dropped up to five stone.
And it seems Judy’s year isn’t set to improve any time soon, as she’s revealed that her Christmas plans – usually a big family occasion she looks forward to – have been ruined. Judy recently confessed that she and husband Richard Madeley will be ‘lonely’ this year after their family snubbed their invite to celebrate with them.
Busy children
Opening up, Judy revealed all four of her children – twins Tom and Dan, 40, from her previous marriage, Jack, 31, and Chloe, 30 – are spending the festive season elsewhere. She admitted, ‘Richard and I will be Billy-no-mates on the big day this year.’
Explaining their reasons, Judy said, ‘One of my daughters-in-law is expecting a baby in early January and the usual Christmas pilgrimage from Manchester to London is not a good idea.’
‘Another of my sons is taking off on a long-delayed honeymoon to Mexico. As for the other two, my daughter’s boyfriend is whisking her off on a surprise romantic break, and my youngest son is backpacking to Thailand with his girl.’
Continuing, the mum-offour said that it’s the first time her and Richard, 61, have not been surrounded by family. She said, ‘Talk about empty nest syndrome; this year it’ll feel like a John Lewis ad: two lonely snowpersons left out in the cold.’ A friend close to the star confirmed Judy’s understandably sad. An insider tells Woman’s Own, ‘Christmas is going to be very lonely and isolating for Judy this year.
‘It’s usually the time of year when she’d like to properly relax with her loved ones.’
However, our source reveals that’s not the only thing Judy will have to contend with during the festive period. Judy is also facing her first Christmas since going on her recent health kick, and her family are determined that she sticks to it – even on Christmas Day itself.
Cutting down
Our insider says, ‘Judy’s had to make serious lifestyle changes this past year, which has not exactly filled her with joy – and it doesn’t seem that’s about to change.’
Despite Judy hinting that they may have Christmas lunch at a local Cornish restaurant, our source says Richard has a plan of his own.
‘They often like to go out for
‘Richard and I will be Billy-nomates this year’
Christmas lunch, but this year Richard has said he’s going to cook instead. He’s teaming up with Chloe to put together a healthy menu – if he gets his way, he and Judy are going out for a long walk and generally keeping as active as possible.’
Richard’s plans
This will be in stark contrast to past years in the Madeley household. Chloe previously told Woman’s Own that overindulging was a big part of their Christmas.
She explained, ‘Everybody comes down in their dressing gowns and Dad puts croissants in the oven. Mum will be the last one down. We sit round the tree drinking Buck’s Fizz and open our presents.’ Yet, despite insisting that neither he or his wife should overindulge this year, Richard’s come up with an alternative plan to put a smile back on Judy’s face.
Our insider reveals, ‘Richard’s determined to cheer Judy up and is pulling out all the stops.’ ‘He’s got lots planned to take her mind off the fact that it’s only them. They intend to play charades, and Richard is also insistent on the pair of them watching the Queen’s speech on the sofa with a glass of port.’ Sounds good to us – let’s hope that, despite it’s obstacles, it’s a good one!