Janet Street-Porter has disclosed how viewers can identify which Loose Women panellists she does not get along with. The broadcaster, a regular on the show since 2011, shared her method during a Q&A session at her one-woman show, Off the Leash, at the Greenwich Theatre in London.
When asked about her favourite and least favourite co-stars, she replied: "Easy to answer! Watch that screen carefully, watch it every day, make a chart. Who never appears with whom - that's your answer!" The revelation comes as ITV prepares to reduce Loose Women's airtime to 32 weeks per year from 2024.
Despite speculation about ageism, Street-Porter insisted there are no plans to replace older panellists with younger talent. "There are no plans to get rid of the older women, despite what some people have said! In fact, the reverse is true. ITV actually put out a statement saying we are the valued members of the show because the audience totally relate to us," she explained.
She added: "I think Loose Women has become a programme that's trusted by a lot of women because we talk about the issues that they are concerned about - whether it's female health, domestic violence or how politicians don't really understand working women." Street-Porter also noted the show's ability to connect with women who might not otherwise have a voice, delivered with humour.
The 77-year-old recently returned from hip surgery and is now preparing for a knee replacement. "My left knee is wore out, so that's been replaced. And last year, hip replacement. Now, latest update, right f****** knee is b*******. So, if I hobbled on stage, it's because I'm facing the grim reality that in a few weeks time, I'm going to have to have my right knee replaced," she said.
Meanwhile, the show is reportedly cutting celebrity interviews to reduce costs, a decision described by a source as "a big blow for both the presenters and viewers." The source noted that celebrity interviews are often a highlight, bringing a unique energy not found elsewhere.
