A Loose Women icon recently took to her Instagram page to announce the release of her new podcast, with its first episode released today (Friday 30 May)
Loose Women star bags major new role days after ITV’s brutal daytime TV cuts
An iconic Loose Women panellist has landed a brand new job just days after ITV announced its shock changes. The popular daytime programme will air for just 30 weeks each year from January, one of several changes ITV is making to “reinvest across the programme budget in other genres.”
It reportedly left some Loose Women stars worried for their future, particularly Coleen Nolan, who a source had said was “shocked and blindsided” at the decision. It also emerged some panelists were “in a state of panic and up in arms” about the bombshell changes that were only recently announced – while Nadia Sawalha broke down in tears and said “I could be let go tomorrow” as she discussed the cuts.
Amid the panic, panellist Judi Love revealed she landed herself a podcasting gig. On Friday morning, the 44-year-old comedian took to her Instagram to reveal the first episode of Our Table.
Fellow Loose Woman panellist Charlene White is joining her for the brand-new show, along with David Gyasi, comedian Michelle de Swarte and actress Deborah Ayorinde.
“Our Table will launch on Friday, the 30th, on YouTube and all major podcast platforms!,” Judi recently posted on social media. “We have an exciting series lined up, featuring incredible guests and engaging conversations. Join us at Our Table!!”
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ITV recently announced changes to its daytime programmes(Image: ITV)
Fans congratulated her on her new venture, as one said: “Well done Judi, an incredible trajectory,” and another posted: “Yesssssssss! Congratulations our Judi.” Nadia Sawalha added: “Truly overwhelmed at how fabulous this show is…”
The guests of the first episode discussed “identity, ambition, and the life experiences that have shaped them” over a Caribbean-inspired meal made by Chef Dom Taylor.
“Honest, moving, and often hilarious, this episode sets the tone for a series that’s all about real people and real talk,” the description explained.
Meanwhile, ITV recently stressed Loose Women plays an important part in its daytime schedule, and told the Mirror that wholesale changes to the panel are unlikely.
The ITV source said: “We are not planning any radical changes to the panel. All of our Loose Women are hugely valued and we celebrate each and every one and the experience and opinions they bring to the show every day.
“Many of our long standing panellists have appeared on the show for the majority of its 25 year run on screens and those stalwart, Loose legends are at the core of the show’s success and hugely popular with the audience. The show remains a big priority within our daytime slate, having secured a BAFTA nomination, launched a podcast and celebrated a milestone anniversary in the last year alone.”
The programme, which first aired in 2000, won a Royal Television Society award earlier this year for its Facing It Together campaign against domestic violence.
