Two new faces are reportedly being lined up for the Loose Women panel after the double exit of Nadia Sawalha and Denise Welch. Both presenters have left the ITV lunchtime show, and reports suggest two new hosts are being considered to join the rotating panel of contributors.
Departures and claims
Nadia told The Mirror she had threatened legal action, claiming ITV bullied her out of her job. She said she feared she was being targeted for speaking out for Palestinian rights and was worried police officers could come knocking on her door. She added: “I accept that there is a huge risk I will never work in television again.”
A few days later, Denise announced she was leaving the show, telling her followers she wanted to focus on her acting career, describing it as her “first love and the thing she’s best at”.
New names reportedly in talks
It has now been claimed that Emma Grede and Anastacia are being lined up to join the panel. A source said: “If we are honest, Loose Women has become a bit of a train wreck. The past 12 months have seen scandal after scandal. Mix that with the cuts and it’s been a perfect storm.”
The source added: “ITV have offered both Emma and Anastacia contracts that will see them appear on the show as panellists. Both have been on as guests so they know the set up.” Their careers have reportedly put them in good stead to join the ITV Daytime show.
Potential impact
“Emma was a huge hit on Dragons’ Den and it’s hoped she would bring in a younger demographic to the show. Anastacia is a household name and brings in a new perspective and isn’t shy when it comes to speaking her mind,” the source told The Sun. The duo are said to have been offered short two-month contracts.
