Coleen Nolan is reportedly 'upset' and 'blindsided' by ITV's decision to slash budgets and jobs on its daytime shows, including Loose Women. The 60-year-old presenter, who has been a panellist since the show began 25 years ago, relies on Loose Women as her main income, according to a source.
ITV announced last week that it will cut over 220 jobs across Good Morning Britain, Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women. Lorraine will be reduced to 30 minutes for 30 weeks a year, while Loose Women will keep its running time but only air for 30 weeks annually from next January.
A source told OK! magazine: 'Coleen is particularly upset about the whole thing and feels shocked and blindsided. She’s lost her sister recently and it’s been a very tough year – so this is even more devastating news.' The source added that the Loose Women panellists are 'all gutted' and dedicated to the show.
PR expert Lynn Carratt said the cuts could 'spell the beginning of the end for daytime TV as we know it' and predicted tension among presenters competing for airtime. She suggested ITV might favour younger panellists like GK Barry, Frankie Bridge or Olivia Attwood to attract a younger audience.
Nolan, who lost her sister Linda to cancer in January, said last year: 'I’ll be with Loose Women as long as they want me, or as long as it is on air, because I love it and I’d really miss it. It’s been the constant in my life for 24 years.'
