Smith, a former editor of the husband-and-wife team's ITV show This Morning, was poached to edit the programme after the couple shocked viewers by signing a 2-year deal with Channel 4 worth £2m.
It has been denied that Smith has left on bad terms, but it seems almost certain that she was axed as the programme looks around for new ideas to boost flagging ratings.
Richard and Judy is only managing to draw between 1.5m and 2m viewers, less than the 3m the successful ITV morning show achieved. It regularly loses out to the Weakest Link on BBC2, which draws almost double Channel 4's ratings.
The show's critics have suggested that the programme's early evening slot could be the reason for its disappointing ratings figures because most of its core viewers are preparing their children's evening meal. Others say that the more serious format of the show could be a turn-off for some viewers.
The presenters Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan are said to be unhappy with the show and have been talking to Channel 4 about making changes. It is understood that there have been disagreements within the team about how to boost its ratings.
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