Coleen Nolan's Mortgage Concerns Amid ITV's Budget Cuts to Loose Women
Coleen Nolan has openly expressed worries about her mortgage payments after the popular ITV daytime show Loose Women bore the brunt of sweeping budget reductions across the channel's schedule. The 61-year-old panellist, who has been a recurring figure on the show since 2000, revealed that the drastic changes have directly impacted her financial situation.
Reduced Episodes and Financial Impact
The show's output has been significantly scaled back, moving from year-round broadcasting to a fixed 30-week schedule. Additionally, the traditional live studio audience has been axed as the programme relocates to a smaller studio space. Nolan explained the personal toll, stating, 'On the one hand, it's nice to have a bit more time off. But on the business side, I think, "I've got a mortgage to pay." We get paid per show and I'm filming fewer shows.'
She added that this has motivated her to seek other television work to supplement her income. The Daily Mail exclusively reported that these measures, including cutting the live audience, were part of a desperate bid by ITV to save money amidst ongoing budget constraints.
Dispelling Rumours of Backstage Tension
Despite the financial strain and operational changes, Nolan was quick to address persistent rumours of a toxic atmosphere among the revolving panel of stars. She emphasised the strong camaraderie, saying, 'We all get on. We've got a WhatsApp group and support each other through everything. It's like having 20 extra sisters.'
Nolan noted she is particularly close to colleagues like Christine Lampard, Ruth Langsford, and Brenda Edwards. The show has moved from Television Studios to The H Club in Covent Garden, but she insists the team remains united.
Broader Implications of ITV's Budget Cuts
In a candid interview on the Not My Bagg podcast in January, Nolan admitted that the budget cuts at ITV have cost many of her friends their jobs. She described the new schedule, which will only air during term time, leaving holidays off. 'On one hand, you go "quite nice time off". But then on the other hand, you go, "I’ve still got bills to pay."'
She reflected on the changes, noting, 'It's just a different vibe, I think it will be okay but I'm just going to miss a lot of different people behind the scenes.' The show will continue to be broadcast live but without an audience or guests, which Nolan likened to 'a podcast but on live television.'
Understanding the Business Decisions
Despite the sadness, Nolan expressed understanding of the business aspects behind the cost-cutting. 'They've all got to find new jobs. So there's a sadness. I understand that it's a business, and sometimes in business hard decisions have to be made and nowadays it is all about budgets.'
She highlighted the evolving television landscape, pointing out the increased competition. 'TV is so different now. I mean, if you think of how many channels there are, the competition… I can't even count how many channels there are. It’s a different era now to what it was 25 years ago.'
Nolan reminisced about her early career, contrasting it with today's media environment. 'When I was a kid, there was three channels. That's how old I am! When I did the Cliff Richard series when I was nine, that went out on a Saturday night and there were 23million every week watching that show.'
Personal Life and Future Plans
Away from Loose Women, Nolan has set her sights on finding a new man after signing up for the new series of Celebs Go Dating. She described the dating scene as a minefield, particularly with attention from younger men on social media. 'A lot of the attention I get is from younger men sliding into my Instagram DMs, and I think, "Why? What could you possibly want with me?" My rule is, I don't want to date anyone I could have given birth to.'
Ultimately, Nolan remains optimistic about the show's future, acknowledging that it could have been worse. 'But, it could have been worse. They could have said: "By the way, we’re not recommissioning it. See you later." It's still here, it's still going.' She will miss the audience interaction, however, noting, 'I love having the audience there. You know, you get all the feedback from the audience and the adrenaline from the audience. So that's going to be really weird for us.'
