TV couple Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan say they have given each other "a pledge" to help end their lives if they become seriously ill.

The pair, who have just announced their choices for their latest book club, said the recent death of Madeley's mother had got them thinking about the subject.

He said: "If Judy was really ill and in logical mind, and at that point where you just need a little push to go over the edge I wouldn't give a tuppenny f*** if there was a risk of being prosecuted. I'd do what was right for my wife. And I'd take the consequences. That is your job, that is your responsibility as a partner."

Finnigan agreed, "And I'd do the same. Stuff it all. We've made ourselves give each other a pledge along those lines."

She added: "I remember when my mum died in 2007 and I felt like I'd been kicked in the stomach. I felt something similar with Richard's mum. It's just the shock of death. It is so bloody final."

The former daytime TV favourites became household names presenting This Morning on ITV for 13 years before the pair moved to Channel 4 where their show, Richard & Judy, ran for seven years.