Former Loose Women star Sherrie Hewson has stated that the ITV program has “completely changed” since she was a panelist, suggesting that current presenters “no longer have the same freedom” to speak.
Her comments follow the recent departure of Denise Welch, who became the latest long-serving panelist to leave the show. Welch, 68, announced her exit after 25 years to pursue acting opportunities, with her final appearance on June 29.
Hewson, 75, who left the show in 2016 after a 14-year stint, shared her view that the program's atmosphere has shifted significantly. "Times have changed, but we were very free and we could talk about anything. We could say anything," Hewson told Zingo Bingo. "We could discuss what we wanted, but now you can't. It's a very different time. You have to be controlled; you can't say this, you can't say that."
She reminisced about the panel's dynamic during her time, describing it as "women talking" with a sense of uninhibited freedom. "We had such an amazing time and such freedom to be just us as girls," Hewson said, recalling instances of lively debate. "They were real rows."
Hewson also noted changes in the show's format, including the absence of guests and a studio audience due to a studio move. She contrasted this with their past experience, which included high-profile guests like the cast of Friends, Bette Midler, and Robbie Williams. "Sadly, that went with the structure as it changed, and became very formulaic. It's completely changed again and is now very structured - very what I would call subdued. We were never like that," she stated.
Hewson attributed some of the change to evolving societal norms, suggesting that "with 'woke' now, it’s very hard for them to be as free as we were."
Carol McGiffin, another former panelist and original Loose Women cast member, also made comments on Welch's departure. McGiffin, who herself left the show in 2023, quipped on social media, "Baaaabes, can't believe you stuck it out for so long! Upwards and upwards it is then. I won’t see you up there but hope to see you down here sometime!"
McGiffin had previously explained her own departure was due to stress from contract issues with ITV, stating the terms were "totally unjust and unworkable for me." She indicated the situation was affecting her health.
Denise Welch, who first joined Loose Women in 2000 and returned in 2018 after a seven-year absence, expressed her gratitude for her time on the show, calling it a "part of me and my family's life for nearly a quarter of a century." She stated her decision to leave was driven by a desire to focus on acting, which she described as her "first love" and for which she is currently receiving "wonderful opportunities."
"I'm grabbing them by the you know whats and running with it for this new chapter of my life," Welch said in a video announcing her exit. She added that she would remain friends with her fellow panelists, describing them as a "happy band of campers."
A spokesperson for Loose Women confirmed Welch's departure, stating, "Denise has been such a brilliant part of the Loose Women family and we are going to miss her hugely on the show. We are sending her all of our love and best wishes for her next chapter."
Welch's tenure on Loose Women was marked by several outspoken segments and debates, including discussions on COVID-19 restrictions and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. She also drew attention for a remark about Taylor Swift, referring to the role of "mother-in-law" as one she was "glad that I lost."