Comedy star and television presenter Judi Love has delivered a significant update regarding the future of the popular ITV daytime show Loose Women, confirming its imminent return to screens following an extended hiatus.
Return Date Confirmed Amid Major Schedule Changes
The announcement comes as part of broader scheduling adjustments implemented by ITV earlier this year, which saw both Loose Women and Lorraine have their annual output substantially reduced to just 30 weeks per year. These cuts were initially revealed last year as part of cost-saving measures across the network.
Judi Love made the revelation during an appearance on Saturday Kitchen Live, where she was primarily promoting her upcoming tour titled All About The Love. The conversation naturally turned to her regular television commitments, prompting the important update about the chat show's return.
Production Changes and Financial Pressures
ITV Media and Entertainment Managing Director Kevin Lygo previously explained that these scheduling modifications, which took effect in January, were designed to generate substantial savings amid significant cost increases throughout the broadcasting industry. Crucially, the network emphasized that no on-air talent would be lost as a result of these changes.
"Daytime is a really important part of what we do," Lygo stated. "These scheduling and production changes will enable us to continue to deliver a schedule providing viewers with the news, debate and discussion they love from the presenters they know and trust, as well generating savings which will allow us to reinvest across the programme budget in other genres."
Specific Return Dates Announced
According to the official schedule, Loose Women will resume broadcasting on Monday, 27 April 2026. The show promises to continue its tradition of tackling contemporary issues and taboo subjects while maintaining its signature lunchtime entertainment format.
The following week, on Monday, 4 May 2026, Lorraine will also return to screens, offering viewers its familiar blend of celebrity news, fashion updates, and health-related discussions.
Current Programming Landscape
Since both shows last aired in early March, ITV's daytime schedule has undergone temporary modifications:
- Good Morning Britain has been extended by thirty minutes following the reduction of Lorraine's broadcasting window
- This Morning has continued to air according to its regular schedule
- At 12:30pm, ITV News occupies its usual slot
- The remainder of the afternoon period typically reserved for Loose Women has been filled with repeats of various game shows
Judi Love's Personal Perspective
When asked about the forthcoming return of Loose Women, Judi Love expressed genuine enthusiasm for the program and her colleagues. "I love it," she declared. "We're back on air in a few weeks, and it's just great. It's not often that you can be in a space with so many amazing women."
She elaborated on the unique value of the show's format, explaining: "I say it all the time, if I want advice about parenting, about areas to live in, just anything, there's always someone there." This sentiment reflects the program's reputation as both entertainment and a source of practical wisdom for its audience.
Broader Implications for ITV Daytime
Kevin Lygo further emphasized that these changes would enable ITV to strengthen its news operations while maintaining the quality of its daytime offerings. "These changes also allow us to consolidate our news operations and expand our national, international and regional news output," he noted.
The executive highlighted the importance of this consolidation "at a time when our viewers need accurate, unbiased news coverage more than ever." He concluded by affirming ITV's commitment to daytime programming, stating: "Daytime has been a core element of ITV’s schedule for over 40 years and these changes will set ITV up to continue to bring viewers award winning news, views and discussion as we enter our eighth decade."
As the return dates approach, viewers can anticipate the familiar dynamic of Loose Women's panel discussions resuming alongside Lorraine's distinctive blend of entertainment and information, albeit within a revised annual broadcasting framework.
