Loose Women star Nadia Sawalha has expressed her heartbreak after learning that her friend and co-star, comedian Lee Peart, has been axed from the show as part of ITV's cost-cutting measures. The 60-year-old revealed her devastation on her YouTube channel, saying she cannot get over the fact that the live audience will also be removed from next year.
Peart, who has been the warm-up act for Loose Women for eight years, is among those affected by the budget cuts. Nadia said: "From next year there will be no Loose Women audience. I am totally devastated by this fact, not only because the audience is so important for the show, but also my dear friend Lee who I work with every day."
The cuts come as part of a wider overhaul of ITV Daytime. From January 2026, Good Morning Britain will be extended by 30 minutes, running from 6am to 9.30am, while Lorraine will be reduced to a 30-minute show airing only 30 weeks a year. Loose Women will also air for just 30 weeks annually.
It is believed that up to a third of the 26-strong pool of Loose Women presenters could lose their jobs. A source said: "Everyone is completely gutted and in shock. We can't believe they would dismantle these brilliant shows. It's the death of daytime TV." Another added: "There's no way all the Loose Women will be needed now there'll be far fewer episodes to fill."
Despite the cuts, Loose Women: The Podcast will continue, providing some work for the cast. Kevin Lygo, managing director of ITV's media and entertainment division, said the changes would allow ITV to reinvest in other genres and consolidate news operations, while acknowledging the impact on off-screen staff.
