Loose Women star Coleen Nolan has revealed she would love to appear on Strictly Come Dancing, but believes someone at the show's headquarters has taken a dislike to her. Despite her hopes, she insists it's not the famously critical judge Craig Revel Horwood.
Speaking to fans at her one-woman show, This Is Me, at Bush Hall in Shepherd's Bush, west London, the Mirror columnist said: "I would love to do Strictly. That show has always been on my bucket list, but they never ask me. I think there is someone there that does not like me. They have asked all the other Loose Women, but not me. It is not Craig Revel Horwood. I love Craig."
Reality TV Veteran Finds Love
Coleen, who won Celebrity Big Brother in 2017 and came fourth on Dancing on Ice in 2009, also credited her new romance with improving her health. Naming her new man only as 'Ryan,' she said: "They [her hips] are probably better now I have met Ryan."
Married twice before, to Shane Richie and Ray Fensome, she joked about the classic game of snog, marry, avoid: "I would probably avoid Shane and Ray... but they are two of my best friends now. I would snog and marry Ryan."
Reflecting on Celebs Go Dating
Coleen also looked back on her experience earlier this year on Channel 4's Celebs Go Dating, where she left single. She admitted: "It was mortifying when people didn't put their hands up. My ego was on the floor. But I have now met someone....and this will be the best one."
Criticism of ITV Budget Cuts
While happy in her personal life, Coleen is critical of ITV budget cuts affecting Loose Women. A panelist for 26 years, she said of the show's new 30-week format and removal of the live studio audience: "I hate not having an audience. I hate it. It is really hard, as we don't get a reaction about anything. Also, the studio is now much smaller and we have three morning shows that share that studio. The camera just swivels around for each show. But I am glad to still have a job."
Loose Women Family and Support for Ruth Langsford
Coleen dismissed speculation about off-screen spats, calling the show her "second family." She also praised colleague Ruth Langsford, who announced her split from Eamonn Holmes in May 2024. Coleen said: "Ruth is fantastic and what a woman. She has really held her head high with everything she has been through and has kept her dignity. She has kept quiet."
Reflecting on her career, Coleen recalled a warning from a famous director on her first day in TV: "'darling, there are no friends in television … only opportunities'. I thought 'you cynical old git.'"
Proudest Moment and Family Priority
Despite her fame with The Nolans and Loose Women, Coleen's proudest achievement is the 2018 ITV special The Real Full Monty: Ladies' Night, which won an Emmy. She said: "I loved making that show and winning the Emmy - it's my pride and joy. The Full Monty saved a lot of people's lives, as a lot of people said afterwards 'I have checked myself. It was such a shame the show stopped. I guess it was budgets, as usual."
She also cherished hosting it with Ashley Banjo, saying: "That show touched my heart." But her main priority remains family. Mother to Shane Jr, Jake, and Ciara, she said: "What does family mean to me? They are my whole life and my reason for living and getting up in the morning. I literally worship them. I would be lost without them."
Son's Cheeky Swipe
Coleen's son Shane Jr, who was her warm-up man, took a playful dig at his father Shane Richie's recent drink-drive arrest. He told the audience: "Is anyone having a drink tonight? Remember don't drink and drive. I won't be driving...I am drinking tonight." He also revealed he now goes by Shane Nolan, not Richie, saying: "I just go with the parent who is most famous to get paid more. I have to admit my mum is smashing it."
