TV shows come and go, but when a beloved programme like Loose Women faces major changes, the emotional impact goes beyond just the screen.
Fans aren’t the only ones feeling the sting — even the show’s cast members are opening up about how difficult it’s been behind the scenes.
Nadia Sawalha Opens Up About a Heartbreaking Loss
Nadia Sawalha, a longtime face on Loose Women, got personal during a recent episode of her podcast Coffee Moaning, which she co-hosts with her husband Mark Adderley.
As she shared the news, her voice was filled with emotion: from 2025, the daytime show will no longer have a live studio audience.
For viewers, it might just seem like a small tweak — but for Nadia, it cuts much deeper.
She explained that her close friend and colleague Lee Peart, who has been the show’s lively warm-up act since 2017, will be losing his job because of this change.
“I’m totally devastated by this,” she admitted, “not just because the audience adds so much to the energy of the show, but because of Lee — someone I see and work with every single day.”
Who Is Lee Peart and Why Is This a Big Deal?
Lee Peart isn’t just any warm-up guy.
He’s a seasoned comedian who’s performed across top UK comedy venues and supported well-known acts like Jason Manford and Steff Todd on tour.
His talent and charisma have landed him roles warming up audiences for major television shows — from Strictly Come Dancing to Britain’s Got Talent and Love Island: Aftersun.
On Loose Women, he’s been a staple behind the scenes, setting the mood for each broadcast.
Now, with ITV scrapping the live audience as a cost-cutting measure, Lee’s role — along with the energy he brings — is being erased.
Behind the Decision: ITV’s Daytime Shake-Up
The announcement about losing the studio audience isn’t happening in isolation.
ITV Daytime has been undergoing a wave of budget cuts, with more than 220 job losses reported.
Both Loose Women and Lorraine have seen their annual schedules slashed — each now only running 30 episodes a year.
In Loose Women’s case, the decision to cut the live audience was influenced by rising expenses.
A source explained that the audience experience is managed by an external company that provides not only the crowd but also security and warm-up talent.
And with ITV tightening its purse strings, these added costs were on the chopping block.
Panelists Fear What’s to Come Without a Live Audience
Many of the show’s regular panelists are not taking the news lightly.
For them, the studio audience isn’t just window dressing — it brings real energy, feedback, and engagement to every episode.
One insider shared, “There’s a real fear that removing the audience will make the show feel flat, just like during the pandemic lockdowns when everything felt muted and low-energy.”
It’s not just the atmosphere that’s at stake.
Some insiders fear the show could start to blend into the background of ITV’s daytime lineup, losing the unique vibe that sets it apart from Good Morning Britain or Lorraine.
More Scheduling Changes and Viewer Frustration
Adding to fan disappointment, Loose Women has also been temporarily taken off the air.
Viewers tuning in this week might’ve been surprised to find that the show isn’t on.
Ruth Langsford wrapped up Monday’s episode with some bad news: Loose Women would be off the air for the rest of the week due to ITV’s coverage of Ascot.
“We’re not on all week,” she told viewers.
“But we’ll be back next Monday at 12:30. Enjoy the sunshine!”
Meanwhile, This Morning has been extended to fill the empty slot, airing from 10am to 1pm.
What Does the Future Hold for Loose Women?
While the studio audience will be gone by 2025, insiders hint that this might not be permanent.
One ITV source shared that changes could be revisited after the show moves into a new studio next year.
For now, however, the priority seems to be saving money — even if that means sacrificing the very elements that make the show feel alive.
For fans and presenters alike, this is an emotional chapter.
And for people like Nadia Sawalha and Lee Peart, it’s not just a shift in production — it’s the loss of a daily connection and a creative rhythm that’s been part of their lives for years.