Loose Women has signed its own death warrant, with no coming back, as long-standing panellist Denise Welch announced her departure after 25 years. The ITV daytime show has faced major changes this year, including reduced broadcast weeks and the loss of its live studio audience.
Denise Welch Announces Exit
On Thursday, August 13, Denise Welch revealed she is leaving the show to focus on her acting career. The former Coronation Street star took to Instagram to share the news, saying: "I am leaving Loose Women after the best part of 25 years off and on. This show has been part of mine and my family's life for almost a quarter of a century. I have the most wonderful, wonderful memories."
"So I just wanted to say that in person to thank all of the people who have shared my stories with me." Her official leaving date is not yet known, but she has already been cast for three upcoming projects.
Recent Exits and Allegations
Welch is the latest in a string of exits. Nadia Sawalha claimed she was "dropped" from the show, with her last appearance airing in April. Earlier this month, she announced she had been removed due to her vocal support for Palestine. The former EastEnders star, 61, alleged she was temporarily axed in July 2026 and accused ITV of "forever changing the goalposts" regarding her return. She has threatened legal action and launched a petition demanding a public apology from ITV and her reinstatement.
Saira Khan, who starred for five years before leaving in 2020, announced last month that she left because she realised she had been treated "unfairly" during the height of her fame. She explained: "No matter what you give to the media, you don't get the thanks back, there's no loyalty, and you can be dropped. I saw people giving less but getting more. My kids said, 'You're not being treated fairly, mum'."
Major Cuts and Studio Changes
The cracks started months earlier when ITV announced major cuts. At the beginning of the year, the company said it would reduce Loose Women's broadcast schedule from 52 weeks to 30. Executives also removed the live studio audience when they downsized to a new studio. The audience added character and provided live feedback to producers, offering loyal viewers a personal experience that no other daytime show could offer.
By stripping that away, ITV shows it doesn't care about losing that connection with viewers and simply wants to make money. In the past 12 months, the show has been falling apart, and there's simply no going back. It may be time to put the show to rest, perhaps shelving it for a few years until ITV has the budget to properly invest and support its cast members both on and off screen.
