Richard Bacon jokes about Blue Peter cocaine scandal after GMB editor showdown

Richard Bacon joked about his Blue Peter cocaine scandal on today's Good Morning Britain.

The presenter became the first to be sacked from the children's TV show in October 1998 after confessing to snorting the drug.

On Thursday's show, the GMB editor walked on set during a live interview with Harry Potter star Warwick Davis to jokingly hand Richard his P45.

Richard was given an ultimatum, either shave his beard or face the sack, but Richard admitted he had defied the wishes of editor Neil Thompson by keeping his stubble.

Hinting at his past mistakes, Richard said: "I can tell you that is the first time an editor has been given me a P45 on screen. I've been given quite a few off screen.


"In fact this is the very studio in which I hosted Blue Peter – and I believe that ended with a P45."

Co-host Kate Garraway then produced a razor from behind the desk so Richard could tidy his look.

Confessing he did want to return to GMB one day, Richard agreed to have a shave live on air.


Charlotte Hawkins then turned to weather presenter Alex Beresford and claimed he was worried he would be next.

Kate picked up a camera to get a close-up for the editor to watch the live shaving.

She said: "This is the actual shaving taking place live."

Showbiz reporter Richard Arnold said: "I'm not sure this is a good thing. If you shave Dicky then me and Kate will look like we're 60. You already look about 12."

Good Morning Britain viewers took to Twitter to give their feedback on Richard.

One viewer said: "Aww I liked the rough, just got out of bed look. My morning eye candy doubled when Alex and Richard appeared on my screen together"

Another added: "I like Richard..can we keep him please?!"

A third agreed: "Love Richard Bacon!! Breath of fresh air!!"

This came after, GMB editor Neil Thompson walked into the studio with something intriguing in his hands on Thursday's show.

"Oh the editor is here. Hi Neil," said a bemused Richard, who had no idea what was going on.

Neil informed Richard that he might not be on Friday's show unless he made a big change.

The editor said: "Well Richard you may or may not be here. Simple choices in life."

Neil offered him either a shaving foam, a razor and a towel or a brown envelope with 'P45 written on the front.

*Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV at 6am

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