Richard Madeley's heartwarming return to This Morning 24 years after show exit

Almost 25 years since his departure, former This Morning icon Richard Madeley surprised viewers with an unexpected return to the ITV daytime staple.

The TV star, 69, originally co-hosted the show from its inception in 1988 with his wife Judy Finnigan before making their exit back in 2001.

Just before they left, the pair famously encountered Sarah Meyer. At the time she was the infant abandoned in a multi-storey car park by her mother, discovered just hours after she was born, cosily wrapped in a pink towel and white shawl.

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Amidst national news coverage, Judy and Richard urgently appealed for help in finding her family, but their quest was met with frustration and dead ends.

Now aged 24, Sarah made a poignant comeback to This Morning on the Monday (June 30), sharing her determined journey to learn the mysteries of her birth story, reports Wales Online.

Appearing poised for a significant moment on ITV's Long Lost Family: Born Without A Trace, Sarah stands as the youngest individual to embark on the search for family. ‌

This Morning host Ben Shephard warmly remarked: "It's wonderful to have you back on our sofa after all these years after you first appeared as that tiny little baby."

Delving into the archives, the broadcast featured a touching snapshot of Judy and Richard cradling an infant Sarah, prompting Ben to add, "Aww look at you in Judy's arms. It's just amazing as ever Richard looking over you."

In an endearing twist, Ben disclosed: "We've actually got a little message for you Sarah. If you look over there, here is a little message for you."

Richard sent in a touching pre-recorded message to Sarah, which was aired on the show. The Good Morning Britain presenter began with: "Hi Sarah. Well what an end to an incredible story."

He proceeded to say: "I believe it has been almost a quarter of a century since you were with us, just a little baby in our arms on the This Morning sofa and we were so genuinely passionate about trying to find your family for you."

Richard then remarked: "After all these years it's just brilliant news to hear that you have and you met your dad as well, which is a great end to an amazing story."

He wrapped up with heartfelt felicitations: "Huge congratulations from Judy and me and what can I say except have a great rest of your life. Lots of love."

This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV1 and ITVX