Loose Women could be set for a major revamp with two high-profile names reportedly being considered for the ITV daytime show's famous panel. Singer Anastacia and businesswoman Emma Grede are said to have been offered short-term contracts to appear as panellists, in what could mark a fresh chapter for the long-running programme.
The reported move comes after the recent departures of two of the show's best-known contributors, Denise Welch and Nadia Sawalha. Both Anastacia and Emma are already familiar with the Loose Women studio, having previously appeared on the programme as guests. Now, according to reports, ITV is looking to bring the pair back in a more permanent capacity as part of its rotating line-up.
Music and business experience
Anastacia would bring decades of experience in the music industry to the panel. The American singer shot to fame in the early 2000s with hits including I'm Outta Love and Left Outside Alone, and has continued to perform around the world throughout her career. Her outspoken personality could also make her a natural fit for the format, which is known for its lively debates and candid conversations about everything from relationships to politics.
Meanwhile Emma Grede would bring a very different perspective to the programme. The British entrepreneur is perhaps best known to television viewers for appearing as an investor on BBC's Dragons' Den. She is also a hugely successful businesswoman with links to the Kardashian family. Emma is a founding partner of SKIMS, the shapewear brand founded by Kim Kardashian, and co-founded the fashion label Good American with Khloe Kardashian.
Her business background could give the panel a fresh perspective on money, careers and entrepreneurship, while her television experience means she is already comfortable in front of the cameras.
Hopes for younger audience
A source claimed that the reported additions could help attract a wider audience to Loose Women. "Emma was a huge hit on Dragons' Den and it's hoped she would bring in a younger demographic to the show," the source told The Sun. "Anastacia is a household name and brings in a new perspective and isn't shy when it comes to speaking her mind."
The pair are reportedly being considered for two-month contracts, although it is not clear whether they would subsequently become permanent members of the rotating panel.
Recent departures
Their reported arrival comes at a turbulent time for Loose Women, which has recently lost two of its most recognisable faces. Denise Welch announced her departure last month after almost 25 years on and off the programme. The actress and presenter explained that she wanted to concentrate on her acting career, describing it as her "first love" and the thing she believed she was "best at".
Denise first joined the show in 1999 and, despite taking a seven-year break, returned to the panel in 2018. Announcing her exit, she said the programme had been part of her and her family's life for nearly a quarter of a century and that she had "the most wonderful, wonderful memories".
Nadia Sawalha's departure has been considerably more controversial. The presenter, who was part of the original Loose Women line-up when the show launched in 1999, has claimed she was effectively "phased out" of the programme. Nadia has spoken publicly about her concerns over her treatment by ITV and claimed she was presented with allegations against her which she was not given the opportunity to respond to. She has also alleged that she feared her outspoken views on Palestinian rights had played a role in what happened.
Nadia has been associated with Loose Women for more than two decades, having returned to the programme in 2013 after initially leaving in 2002. The presenter has previously said she knows her value to the show and admitted she feared she could struggle to find television work again. Daily Express have contacted ITV for a comment.
