Loose Women set for major cast shake-up as ITV plan to replace the entire panel for one week only

Daily Mail​

a day ago

Loose Women fans are in for a treat this week as the show is set for a one-off 'Loose Doctors' special.
The hit ITV daytime show will change up their panel this Wednesday with a different array of faces, including Dr Amir Khan, Dr Zoe Williams, Dr Hilary Jones and Dr Nighat Arif.
The medics will examine the health issues that matter most to viewers, as well as explaining how we can all improve our own wellbeing.
The special follows on from other one-off versions of the programme including Loose Men panels on International Men's Day.
Excited about the new prospect, Dr Amir said to The Mirror: 'This is the first time four of ITV's Daytime doctors will be on the panel together to look at the health issues that affect us all.
'We'll be sharing our expert medical advice and having some very candid conversations about the things that our patients are often too embarrassed to talk about, but shouldn't be, and hopefully giving them the confidence to make the most of their appointments.
'I'm really looking forward to the episode and hope that viewers will enjoy it, as well as learning some important and potentially life saving tips too.'
Meanwhile, Dr Hilary, who works closely with Lorraine Kelly on screen, said: 'I think viewers are going to love the first-ever Loose Doctors episode.
'You'll see four of ITV's Daytime doctors open up about their personal journeys whilst offering some of our tips to look after you and your family. I hope that viewers will learn a lot and be entertained at the same time as we open the Loose Doctors doors for the first time.'
It comes after panelist Linda Robson shared her fears as she ' prays' for the future of the ITV programme after huge budget cuts.
It was revealed back in May the show has been axed for half the year and Lorraine's runtime has been slashed by 30 minutes, as Daytime bosses announced cuts with job losses in excess of 220.
According to insiders, once ITV's budget cuts come into effect in January, Loose Women will no longer have A-list guests in the studio, and the broadcast is planned to only consist of the panel debating newsworthy topics from the week.
Speaking at National Reality TV Awards in London, Linda said: 'We are all rallying together. It will be very sad if we can't have guests.
'It's a shame people are losing their jobs. We're all like a family. We've been together through births, marriages, deaths. It's been very hard. Everyone's worried about the show.
'We're just trying to stay positive and hope for the best. But hopefully it's not going be as bad as it already is,' The Mirror reports.
Recently Loose lady Janet Street-Porter revealed which stars are at risk from brutal cost-saving cuts by ITV - and which panelists are safe.
The 78-year-old has shed light on the reality behind the looming cuts proposed by the broadcaster, which are set to impact several daytime shows.
Janet appears certain that the 'older' Loose Women stars are not likely to be cut, given they appeal more directly to the show's target demographic.
But she warns that newcomers, younger stars or those with less experience could be at risk.
'There are no plans to get rid of the older women despite what some people have said,' Janet said.