Former Loose Women panellist Sherrie Hewson has criticised the show's current format, saying it has "completely changed" since her time on the panel. Her comments come as Denise Welch announced she is leaving after nearly 25 years.
Sherrie Hewson's criticism
Sherrie, who appeared on the panel from 2003 to 2016, said the women "no longer have the same freedom" they once had. The 75-year-old said: "Times have changed, but we were very free and we could talk about anything. We could say anything. We could discuss what we wanted, but now you can't. It's a very different time. You have to be controlled; you can't say this, you can't say that. It was just very free."
Speaking to Zingo Bingo, Sherrie recalled that in her era the show had a host of amazing guests, and said it was sad that "that's all gone now" as she criticised the decision to remove the studio audience. She claimed the show had become very "formulaic" and "structured", taking away what made it a success. "We were never like that," she said, calling the daytime show "subdued" these days.
Denise Welch's departure
Denise announced her exit from Loose Women in an Instagram video. She said: "I'm leaving Loose Women after the best part of 25 years, off and on. I did leave for about seven years and went back in 2018. This show has been part of mine, and my family's life, for nearly a quarter of a century."
She added: "I have the most wonderful, wonderful memories and it's just that acting has always been my first love and, I think, the thing I'm best at. At the moment, I'm having the most wonderful opportunities coming my way and I'm grabbing them by the you-know-whats and running with it for this new chapter of my life."
Denise continued: "And so I just wanted to say that in person to thank all of the people who have shared my stories with me. I've shared my life with you - the good, the bad and the ugly. I'm very marmite but I cherish all the comments, good or bad, that I've had over the years. I just hope you wish me well for this new exciting chapter in my life. I'll miss everybody but I will remain friends with the whole gang because, despite what you might read, we are a happy band of campers. Lots of love, thanks for sticking with me."
Carol McGiffin's reaction
Sherrie is the latest former star to criticise the show, following Carol McGiffin's blunt response to Denise's exit. Carol said: "Baaaabes, [three clapping emojis] can't believe you stuck it out for so long! Upwards and upwards it is then. I won't see you up there but hope to see you down here sometime."
Carol initially appeared on Loose Women from 2000 until 2013, and returned with Denise five years later. However, she made her final appearance on the panel three years ago. Denise's departure marks the end of an era for the show, which has seen several long-serving panellists leave in recent years.
