Coleen Nolan has described her 'devastation' after it was confirmed that both Nadia Sawalha and Denise Welch had left Loose Women. The 61-year-old, a regular on the ITV daytime show for decades, revealed her heartache at returning without her long-time colleagues.
Coleen Nolan's emotional return
Writing in her recent newsletter for the Mirror, Nolan said: "It's back to school for me on Monday. Loose Women is back on air and I've really missed it and can't wait to see everyone. We'll be missing two of our longest-serving Loose Women - Nadia and Denise - which I'm a bit devastated about."
She added: "I love Nadia and she'll be a big loss to the team. I'm so pleased for Denise, who left to focus on acting, which is her first love and she's brilliant at it. At 66 she's had a whole new lease of life and has never looked better."
New faces joining the panel
Nolan also welcomed the prospect of new arrivals, saying: "But it'll be exciting to welcome new people in. One of the things I love most about the show is that it incorporates every age group, from women in their 20s to Gloria Hunniford, who's 86. I think a show that offers that when women still have to battle ageism and having an opinion is something to be celebrated and cherished."
Addressing speculation about behind-the-scenes tension, she insisted: "I'm always reading stories about us not getting on, but it's just not true – unless I'm missing something! I've never seen it and never felt it. So, thanks to those of you who've stuck by us through thick and thin for all these years, and hopefully we'll be sticking around for years to come."
Departures and replacements
Denise, 68, confirmed her exit in a video in August, explaining she would focus on her acting career. Nadia had been away from the show before speaking out over her absence, telling the Mirror she threatened legal action, claiming ITV bullied her out of her job. She previously said she feared she was being targeted over speaking out for Palestinian rights.
Reports suggest singer Anastacia and entrepreneur Emma Grede are being lined up to join the panel. According to the Sun, they have been offered short two-month contracts, with those behind the scenes hoping they will 'bring in new perspectives'.
A source told the Sun: "If we are honest, Loose Women has become a bit of a train wreck. The past 12 months have seen scandal after scandal. Mix that with the cuts and it's been a perfect storm. ITV have offered both Emma and Anastacia contracts that will see them appear on the show as panellists. Both have been on as guests so they know the set up."
The insider added: "Emma was a huge hit on Dragons' Den and it's hoped she would bring in a younger demographic to the show. Anastacia is a household name and brings in a new perspective and isn't shy when it comes to speaking her mind."
