For viewers, daytime TV is often a comforting constant — familiar faces, light-hearted conversations, and a break from the noise of the world.
But behind the scenes at Loose Women, there’s been anything but calm.
The show’s regular panellists are opening up about the emotional toll ITV’s sweeping cuts have had, not just on their work but on people’s lives.
Sue Cleaver Speaks Out: “People Are Struggling”
Sue Cleaver, known both for her time on Coronation Street and now as a mainstay on Loose Women, didn’t mince words when speaking to the Express.
The 61-year-old actress was candid about how tough the situation is for both cast and crew.
“We’re all devastated,” she admitted. “It’s affecting young families, and it’s just heartbreaking to see how many are struggling.”
Having been through similar upheaval on Corrie, Sue empathized deeply with her behind-the-scenes colleagues, calling the cuts “a pretty hard time for people to hear.”
What’s Changing at ITV?
The changes in question are drastic. Starting in January, Loose Women and Lorraine will only air for 30 weeks each year — a sharp drop from their usual year-round schedules.
On top of that, Lorraine’s airtime is being slashed in half, and ITV plans to cut more than 220 jobs across its daytime division, affecting not just these shows, but also Good Morning Britain and This Morning.
Nadia Sawalha Gets Emotional: “I Just Can’t Bear It”
Nadia Sawalha, one of Loose Women’s most beloved panellists since its early days, didn’t hold back either.
Speaking in a heartfelt video on her YouTube channel with husband Mark Adderley, the 60-year-old revealed the atmosphere inside ITV has been filled with “shock and fear.”
She choked up as she described how colleagues have been blindsided by the news.
“So many people behind the scenes — who nobody ever sees — are now out of work.
And when people attack the show, they don’t realise they’re attacking those workers too.”
“We’re Self-Employed — We Never Know What’s Next”
Nadia also gave some insight into the reality of working in television.
“We’re all self-employed,” she explained. “Every contract is a new contract. I could be let go tomorrow.”
She stressed how difficult the last week had been:
“People who’ve worked here for decades are walking around in complete shock. It’s just awful.”
More Bad News: The Audience Is Being Cut Too
As if the reduced schedule and job losses weren’t enough, Loose Women will also be losing its live studio audience in 2025.
According to MailOnline, the decision was made as a cost-saving measure.
But for presenters like Ruth Langsford, Kaye Adams, Charlene White, and Nadia herself, it’s yet another gut punch.
The live audience isn’t just there for decoration — it helps create the energy and interaction that Loose Women is known for.
Without it, insiders worry the show will lose its distinctive spark and risk viewers tuning out entirely.
A Devastating Shakeup for a Daytime Staple
ITV’s decision to slash budgets, reduce air time, and cut staffing has sent ripples through every corner of the network’s daytime lineup.
For Loose Women, the impact has been especially painful.
The hosts might still show up on screen smiling, but behind the scenes, the mood is far from cheerful.
As Nadia put it simply but powerfully: “Just be kind to people.
You don’t know what they’re going through.”
What’s Next for Loose Women?
While Loose Women will return next year — airing on ITV1 and streaming on ITVX — it’ll be in a very different form: no audience, fewer episodes, and uncertainty hanging over the future of its presenters and crew.
For fans who’ve followed the show for years, it’s a tough pill to swallow.
And for those who make the magic happen, it’s a reminder that even in the entertainment world, no one is immune to the harsh realities of budget cuts.