ITV has made a series of brutal pre-Christmas cutbacks, resulting in the final, bittersweet appearance of a popular Loose Women star. The broadcaster is ending the employment of over 220 staff members as part of wide-ranging cost-cutting measures designed to secure its future.
The End of an Era for Loose Women's Warm-Up Act
Among the casualties is the live studio audience for the flagship daytime talk show, which will be axed from December. Consequently, the programme no longer requires a warm-up act, a role filled since 2017 by magician and comedian Lee Peart, 35. Peart marked his departure with an on-screen appearance, a stark contrast to his usual behind-the-scenes position.
For his final act, Peart appeared live from Warwick Castle's ice rink to promote the show's festive competition, where viewers could win £200,000. The move was confirmed earlier this year, giving Peart time to prepare for the end of his long-running role. On Facebook, he described it as the 'bittersweet end of an era'.
'Two weeks today will be my final Loose Women!' he wrote. 'A bittersweet end of an era… the goodbyes are starting as it's the last time I'll work with Ruth, Gloria and Kellie in this capacity!' He also shared a poignant backstage photo with panellists Ruth Langsford, Gloria Hunniford, and Kellé Bryan.
Panelists and Fans React with Sadness
The decision has been met with dismay from the show's regular panel. Nadia Sawalha, 61, expressed her devastation in a YouTube video, stating the audience was an 'important' part of the programme. 'I am totally devastated by this fact, I can't get over it at all,' she said. 'Not only because the audience is so important for the show, but also my dear friend Lee who I work with every day.'
Fans have also flooded social media with messages of support for Peart. One audience member recalled: 'We've been twice with you as the warm-up man, you're very funny.' Another added: 'Gutted it's changing as a regular in the audience but I wish you good luck in the future,' while a third simply called him 'The legend Lee, we'll miss you.'
Broader ITV Daytime Schedule Shake-Up
This change is part of a significant restructuring across ITV's daytime output, driven by falling viewership and a shift towards streaming services. The new schedules, effective from the new year, include:
- Loose Women: Will continue airing from 12:30pm to 1:30pm but will move to a reduced, 30-week 'seasonal' schedule.
- Lorraine: Will be cut to a 30-week schedule, with episodes shortened to just 30 minutes from 9:30am to 10am.
- This Morning: Will continue its two-and-a-half-hour slot from 10am to 12:30pm.
- Good Morning Britain: Will be extended by 30 minutes.
An ITV spokesperson sought to reassure viewers about the Loose Women panel, stating: 'We always said we valued the Loose Women and that we wouldn’t be changing the panel, so viewers can look forward to seeing the familiar line-up in the New Year.' The cuts are primarily affecting production teams rather than on-screen talent.
The current lineup, which includes Kaye Adams, Ruth Langsford, Christine Lampard, and Charlene White, alongside a large roster of regular panelists, is expected to remain. Loose Women airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX.
