Richard Madeley has been branded "peak Alan Partridge" as he hosted Good Morning Britain from the hospital "front line" this morning.
The 66 year old joined co-host Kate Garraway at Whiston Hospital in Prescot to demonstrate how challenging it is for the NHS over the winter.
It comes as tens of thousands of nurses voted to strike for the first time in a century in a bitter dispute over pay.
Speaking from the frailty unit today, Richard announced that he was speaking from the "front line" and had rolled his sleeves up and tucked his tie into his shirt for cleanliness purposes.
"If you've just joined us, the reason we're in shirt sleeves and tie tucked in and all the rest of it - though that isn't really compulsory but I've done it just in case," he told the cameras. "Because it's a live ward and it's all about being bare below the elbow and being hygienic, so that's why we're going to look a bit casual."
Viewers couldn't resist making the inevitable comparisons, with one tweeting: "Richard Madeley is Peak Partridge this morning! 'You don't have to tuck your tie in....I've done it just in case!' #gmb #goodmorningbritain."
While another commented: "Richard Madeley going all Alan Partridge."
A third wrote: "Richard Madeley with his sleeves rolled up as if he’s about to deliver a baby #gmb."
Another joked: "Just when the NHS thinks things can’t get worse, Richard Madeley rolls up his sleeves and turns up on the front line. #GMB."
*Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV
