Coleen Nolan shares how she really feels about Loose Women's ITV future after channel made major cuts | The Irish Sun

 

London, UK — In a heartfelt and candid statement, Loose Women star Coleen Nolan has broken her silence following ITV’s shock decision to cut the iconic daytime panel show down to just 30 weeks a year—a move that has left longtime fans and the show’s presenters feeling blindsided and “devastated.”

Speaking during a guest appearance on a BBC Radio 2 programme, Nolan addressed the change with her trademark honesty.

“It’s heartbreaking, really,” she said. “Loose Women isn’t just a job—it’s a lifeline for us and the viewers. We tackle real issues, real emotions, and now it feels like we’ve been sidelined.”

ITV confirmed the scheduling change earlier this week as part of a “strategic restructuring” of its daytime lineup. Under the new plan, Loose Women will air in two 15-week blocks per year, instead of its traditional near year-round presence.

📺 A Staple Suddenly Shrinking

Launched in 1999, Loose Women has become a daytime TV institution—known for its frank, often emotional discussions and rotating panel of outspoken female presenters. The show has consistently delivered strong ratings and viral moments, often drawing more engagement on social media than ITV’s flagship morning news shows.

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But with viewership habits shifting and streaming platforms dominating daytime hours, ITV claims the reduced schedule is an “adaptation to modern audience patterns.”

“We value Loose Women enormously,” said an ITV spokesperson. “This decision allows us to retain the quality and energy of the show, while exploring new content formats across ITVX.”

😢 Panelists ‘Gutted’ Behind the Scenes

According to production sources, the mood among the show’s regular presenters—Coleen Nolan, Ruth Langsford, Brenda Edwards, and Kaye Adams—is “one of disbelief and disappointment.”

“This isn’t a break. This is a major setback,” said one crew member. “We were told to keep quiet about it, but the atmosphere’s been heavy.”

Nolan, who has been one of the show’s most beloved voices for more than two decades, said the reduced schedule feels “like losing a part of my weekly identity.”

“We’ve gone through cancer, menopause, loss, divorce, and laughter—all on air,” she said. “This show has been therapy for me and for so many women watching.”

💬 Fan Reactions: Fury and Frustration

Outrage quickly spread online after the news broke, with hashtags like #SaveLooseWomen, #ITVDaytimeCuts, and #WeNeedLooseWomen trending across X and TikTok.

“Loose Women is the only real thing on daytime telly. Disgusted with ITV.”
“I feel like my friends are being taken off air. This show helped me through grief.”
“ITV wants to replace women’s voices with more bland panel shows? No thanks.”

Change.org petitions and open letters to ITV bosses have already begun circulating.

🔮 What’s Next for Coleen—and the Show?

Nolan says she has no plans to leave the show, but admits the uncertainty is unsettling.

“We’re not finished. Thirty weeks or not, when we’re on—we’ll be louder than ever.”

ITV has hinted that Loose Women may expand its presence on digital platforms, possibly with behind-the-scenes content, spin-off specials, or podcast extensions. But for now, fans will have to make do with a dramatically shortened season.

One thing is clear: for millions of viewers—and the women on the panel—this show is more than TV. It’s a community. And that community just got a lot smaller.