Linda Robson reveals the real reason for major Loose Women changes amid fears for the show’s future

Linda Robson shares the authentic cause behind the alterations in ITV’s Loose Women, as rumors swirl about potential cancellation.

Back in May, it was announced that the show would be cancelled for half a year, and Lorraine’s airtime was reduced by 30 minutes. This decision was made by daytime executives who also announced that more than 220 jobs would be cut.

Based on reports by inside sources, it appears that starting from January, ITV’s budget reductions might lead to a change in Loose Women’s format. Instead of hosting A-list guests in the studio, the show is expected to focus exclusively on the panel discussing topical news stories from the past week.

Previously, ITV had shared that shows like Loose Women and Lorraine would be broadcast annually for approximately 30 weeks instead of running continuously throughout the year.

And now regular show panelist, Linda, 67, has opened up about the upcoming cost-cutting changes. 

She told The Sun: ‘Well, you just have to stay positive, really, don’t, ya?,’

It would undoubtedly bring a lot of disappointment if it were to get cancelled, given the large number of viewers who eagerly anticipate it each day, particularly those in the older demographic.

Despite significant alterations like the absence of a live audience, Linda is optimistic that the show will regain its past brilliance when it returns in the upcoming year.

The star noted that many of them have been engaged in this activity for a quarter of a century. He expressed hope that perhaps, come the New Year, they could attract their audience again and continue operations as usual.

Previously, there had been talk about potentially removing famous guests from the established program.

Rather than that, each live broadcast seems to feature a discussion among the panel about current, news-worthy topics from the past week.

Lately, Janet Street-Porter disclosed the celebrities who might face severe budget reductions at ITV, as well as those panelists who remain secure.

The 78-year-old is clarifying the true implications of the potential budget reductions that the broadcaster is considering, as these changes could affect numerous daytime programs.

It seems clear to Janet that the long-time members of Loose Women are unlikely to be replaced, as they resonate strongly with the program’s intended audience.

But she warns that newcomers, younger stars or those with less experience could be at risk.

‘There are no plans to get rid of the older women despite what some people have said,’ Janet said.

The writer from Brentford, who was born there, noted that the panel program has earned the confidence of female audiences because it provides a platform for essential discussions centered around women’s issues.

Janet pointed out that Loose Women is now a program many women trust because we discuss topics that genuinely matter to them – from women’s health, domestic abuse, to politicians not fully grasping the struggles of working women.

The program seems to provide a platform for women who might not typically have a chance to express themselves, and it does so in a humorous way as we try not to take things overly seriously.

Producers of Loose Women may reduce the number of celebrity appearances on the show, with some concern that the popular ITV program might not continue for another year.

Over a span of time, this popular series often invites several well-known personalities as guests on the panel to discuss their forthcoming endeavors or appearances. Notable figures such as Naomi Campbell, Elizabeth Hurley, Joan Collins, and even the former Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, have graced the show in the past.

It has been reported by various television outlets that it is likely Loose Women will be canceled within the next year due to anticipated declining viewership as the program’s quality may deteriorate.

According to Daily Mail, there was a significant change announced in the show’s production as they decided to eliminate their live studio audience. This move has stirred dissatisfaction among some of the veteran cast members like Nadia Sawalha, Ruth Langsford, and Coleen Nolan.

In the month of May, ITV revealed a change in schedule for shows Lorraine and Loose Women, with each airing for approximately 30 weeks instead of the full 52 weeks annually. Consequently, over 220 out of 440 employees working on these shows are unfortunately facing job losses.

According to a source from the TV station, it’s a significant disappointment for both the hosts and home viewers that there won’t be any guests on the show.

It seems unusual that the guests, who are usually a significant part of the show, have been completely removed. However, it appears that future shows will primarily feature guests for Lorraine and This Morning instead.

Off-camera, the hosts express their disappointment since they cherish having guests and believe their interviews provide a unique flavor compared to other daytime talk shows.

As a devoted follower, let me share some insights. Initially, you’ll find that there are four engaging personalities leading the discourse. What sets them apart is their focus on women-centric topics during their interviews – an aspect less frequently explored by shows like This Morning.

In recent times, high-profile personalities such as Elizabeth Hurley, Joan Collins, Janet Jackson, and Naomi Campbell have graced Loose Women’s studio for intimate, one-on-one interviews. What’s intriguing is that these celebrities have chosen to appear on this show not just because they had to, but because they genuinely enjoy it.

‘Unfortunately, by January, the program is likely to lose much of its original essence and may eventually get terminated entirely.’

As a die-hard fan, I’ve heard whispers that Loose Women had to make some tough decisions due to limited resources. You see, they’re focusing on providing top-notch hosting for Lorraine and This Morning, leaving less manpower available for celebrity guests on Loose Women. It’s a bit of a bummer, but it seems they’ve chosen to prioritize the shows that need more attention. As a result, our beloved panel show might have to take a back seat for now.

A representative from ITV stated: “Although the crew continues to develop the program for the upcoming year, I want to emphasize that Loose Women holds significant importance in our daytime lineup.

As a lifestyle aficionado, I must say, it’s undeniably the captivating Loose Women who have been stealing the spotlight. Their mesmerizing charm has earned them a prestigious BAFTA nomination recently. Not only that, but they’ve also ventured into podcasting and celebrated a significant anniversary within the past year – truly an impressive feat!

Following ITV’s announcement, they will reduce their daytime programming significantly. This includes shortening Lorraine to a 30-minute program, airing it only during school terms, and decreasing Loose Women’s broadcasting to 30 weeks annually.

According to the plans, a specialized team at ITV News, a company owned by ITN (who also manage news production for Channel 4 and Channel 5), will be in charge of producing Good Morning Britain.

ITV Studios plans to keep making shows like Lorraine, Loose Women, and This Morning, but they’re considering a change where all three teams could be combined into one. If this happens, the team would focus more on booking celebrities for the prioritized This Morning show.

Nadia, a member of the Loose Women panel, voiced her disappointment about the decision to cancel the live studio audience for the show, which in turn means that her good friend and fellow team member, Lee Peart (who is responsible for warming up the audience), will be out of work as a result.

She expressed that she is extremely upset about this fact and has been unable to move past it. This is not just due to the significance of the audience for the performance, but also because her close collaborator, Lee, is involved in her daily work.

Additionally, Nadia expressed her emotions regarding the severe reductions made on Loose Women, as she articulated how challenging it was for the team when the news about May came out.

She shared that the show has maintained remarkable success for a quarter of a century, or even longer currently, and it’s become an extremely recognizable brand.

One way to rephrase this passage in a more natural and easy-to-understand manner is: ‘The harshness of life… people often underestimate the fact that we freelance, each job is like a new job, I could be fired today or in five years, unlike regular employees.’

Over the past week, it has been incredibly challenging and genuinely emotional for me to hear that unexpected layoffs will affect hundreds of hardworking individuals who have been supporting us behind the scenes. These are the unsung heroes who contribute innumerable ways to our operations.

The state of inflation today is simply unbelievable, leading us to make difficult decisions. Many friends and coworkers I’ve known for years here on this show and at ITV have been part of the team for a long time. It was heart-wrenching to see them walk around, stunned and afraid about their uncertain future.

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2025-08-25 03:04