Richard Madeley falls victim to helium gag

Television presenter Richard Madeley has become victim to an internet prankster, after believing he was inhaling helium from a balloon.

Internet comedian Edward Harris convinced Madeley , 52, he had sucked from a helium-filled balloon, which really only contained oxygen.

The footage, shot during a recent book signing, is now on YouTube, and shows Madeley wishing Harris happy birthday in a high-pitched voice.

Introducing the clip, Harris says: "Everyone knows when you inhale helium from a balloon you speak in a high pitched voice.

"But what if you lead someone to believe there was helium in that balloon when there really wasn’t.

"Would they still speak in a high pitched voice because of human psychology?"

The unknown comedian then approaches the TV presenter at a WHSmith store where he was signing copies of his book Fathers and Sons, and invites him to wish him a happy birthday.

After taking a small breath, Richard squealed: "So a very happy birthday Edward."

He then hands Harris a signed book before chuckling: "There you go mate. Well listen, happy birthday, have a great day, thanks for coming down."

The clip was posted on video sharing website YouTube on Monday for Harris’ mini series Laugh or Cry TV.

Harris continued: "I actually really liked meeting Richard Madeley he’s one of my favourite TV personalities.

"He was really professional, really polite, really nice and I bought his book but I couldn’t resist because I had some balloons on me."


- telegraph.co.uk