Former Loose Women star Sherrie Hewson has criticised ITV bosses over their decision to axe weeks of the popular daytime show, warning it could deprive older viewers of a vital “lifeline.”
From next January, the lunchtime programme will air for just 30 weeks of the year instead of running year-round, as part of widespread cost-cutting measures at the broadcaster.
Hewson, 74, who now appears in Hollyoaks, claimed the move was “sad” and “cruel” to the audience that depends on it.
She told The Sun on Sunday: “Women of all ages, those up to 95 down to younger women at home with young children, it's like therapy to them.
“It feels cruel and sad that they've decided to cut the episodes on Loose Women which is a show that can bring anger and emotions.”
Although Hewson stepped away from the panel in 2016 after four years, she said she remains deeply invested in the show’s value.
She also criticised ITV for targeting programmes popular with older audiences, noting that while over-55s watch more television than any other demographic, they are often the most overlooked by broadcasters.
She said: “We all need that where we can all shout at the TV. Some people are lonely and it is a lifeline for them, the only discussion they may actually be part of during the day.”
Hewson joined Loose Women in 2012 and spent four years as a regular panellist before stepping away in 2016.
She has remained a vocal supporter of the format, insisting it plays a crucial role in connecting older audiences.
Her comments come after it was announced in May that ITV daytime studios were slashing the budgets of daytime shows like Good Morning Britain, Lorraine, This Morning and Loose Women, meaning more than 220 of the 440 staff involved will lose their jobs.
From next year, Lorraine will be halved to a 30-minute slot and run for 30 weeks a year, while Good Morning Britain will expand to four hours, from 6am to 10am.
As part of ITV’s restructuring, This Morning, hosted by Cat Deeley and Ben Shepard, will remain in its 10am-12.30pm slot on weekdays through the year.
Lorraine, Loose Women and This Morning broadcast from a new location in central London while still being produced by ITV Studios.
Kevin Lygo, managing director of ITV’s Media and Entertainment Division, said the changes will be “generating savings which will allow us to reinvest across the programme budget in other genres”.
