The latest edition of Loose Women suddenly became tense on Tuesday afternoon (February 18) after Janet Street-Porter quickly put a stop to her co-star’s line of thinking

Things took an awkward turn during the latest episode of Loose Women as Janet Street-Porter appeared to shut down her co-star minutes into the show.

On Tuesday’s episode (February 18), Janet was back on the panel alongside Ruth Langsford, Brenda Edwards and Kelle Bryan. As the ladies discussed their childhoods and how they had the freedom of playing outdoors, Kelle highlighted the differences effecting children these days.

Sharing her worries about her own offspring, Kelle said she’s afraid of the increasing amount of kidnappers that are patrolling the streets. But Janet, who is familiar with previously playing out with her friends as a youngster quickly put a stop to Kelle’s line of thought.

As Kelle tried to express herself, Janet said: “Can I just stop you right there. The incidents of kidnapping children is very, very low.”

Janet Street-Porter appeared unimpressed with Kelle’s brash statement(Image: ITV)

She also went on to add that kidnappers have always been around and things haven’t suddenly changed.

Trying to defend Kelle’s argument, Ruth jumped in to say that should could understand Kelle’s worries as a parent of young children today. But she also admitted that although there are dangers, it’s important to remember that kids need a sense of freedom when they get older.

Following Kelle’s brash comments, fans headed straight over to social media site X to share their thoughts. Many viewers seemed to think that maybe Kelle was a bit over the top with her line of reasoning.

One viewer said: “Bl**dy hell Kelly calm down, can’t wrap them in cotton wool, protect them absolutely, don’t smoother them.” Another said: “Kelle very much on the defensive there.”

A third shared: “Are children kidnapped and abducted more nowadays than they were when we were little? I don’t think so,”

While a fourth added: “Kidnappings etc happened in ‘my’ day too – nothing new unfortunately.” Another also fumed: “Kidnapping?? Is she f****n serious??”

Kelle’s comments appeared to rattle viewers(Image: ITV)

Kelle, who has two children, previously said she longed to be a mother from a young age. She told Mother and Baby: “I come from a huge family: mum has eight siblings, 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

“It seemed like someone was giving birth every five minutes, but it was never my turn. Fortunately I met Jay, my husband, and now we have healthy, happy babies.”