Loose Women star Brenda Edwards has spoken out about the uncertainty surrounding her future on the ITV panel show following the broadcaster’s announcement of sweeping budget cuts.
The 56-year-old singer and actress, who has been a regular on the daytime show since 2019, says she’s in the dark about the future, but hopes to remain on board — even as Loose Women is set to air for only 30 weeks instead of 52 starting in 2026.
“I don’t like to make assumptions on anything because I don’t know what’s happening there,” Brenda told Woman’s Own magazine.
“But I hope I manage to get some shows and am able to use my platform to raise awareness for whatever I can.”
ITV Restructuring Hits Daytime Lineup
ITV recently announced that over 220 jobs will be cut as part of a major cost-saving plan. In addition to Loose Women, the morning show Lorraine will also be scaled back to a 30-week seasonal format. Production of many daytime shows will move to a new central London location.
Brenda, however, remains hopeful.
“You have to move with the times, I guess,” she said.
“I hope this is just an interim thing, and maybe in a few years’ time it will go back to how it was — but we can only wait and see.”
Support Among Panellists
Despite the shake-up, Brenda continues to cherish her time on the show and her bond with fellow panellists — especially Janet Street-Porter, whom she calls a “force of nature.”
“I just love her feistiness and outspokenness,” Brenda said.
“She’s doing her first-ever tour, and I think it will be amazing! She’ll probably talk about her life, Loose Women, and everything in between.”
Janet, 78, echoed the concerns of co-star Kaye Adams, who earlier called ITV’s decision “terrible” and “out of the blue.” While Nadia Sawalha described the changes as “brutal” in a YouTube video and warned that the panellists — who are on self-employed contracts — could be let go at any moment.
But Janet is unfazed.
“Oh, I know I’m going to keep that job,” she said confidently.
ITV: A ‘Transition’ Period
ITV executive Kevin Lygo acknowledged the impact of the changes, saying the broadcaster is undergoing a significant “transition.”
“I recognise that our plans will have an impact on staff off-screen in our Daytime production teams,” Lygo said.
“Daytime has been a core element of ITV’s schedule for over 40 years, and these changes will help us continue to bring viewers award-winning news, views and discussion.”
As ITV retools its programming strategy, stars like Brenda Edwards are left hoping they’ll still have a seat at the table — and a platform to speak for the audiences they represent.
