The Loose Women panel shared an emotional moment during a broadcast this week as they said goodbye to a colleague, who departed after more than a decade with the programme.
The exit comes amid ITV’s cutbacks, which are largely affecting Loose Women and Lorraine.
The group were emotional as they bid farewell to producer Eleanor Cotter, with Kaye Adams addressing viewers directly.
She stated: “We might have a little cry today because our cherished producer, El, it’s her last day after 11 years. So, we’re gonna say we love you, El.”
Kaye Adams admitted the group may become tearful over the poignant goodbye
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ITV
Nadia Sawalha responded by saying: “It’s so sad,” as studio audience members applauded the departing colleague.
Following an ad break, Ms Adams also acknowledged other staff members experiencing their final day at the show, including floor manager Katie.
The heartfelt tributes reflect a period of significant change for the long-running ITV daytime programme.
These farewells arrive during a period of substantial restructuring across ITV’s daytime programming.
From next year, Loose Women will shift to a 30-week seasonal schedule, resulting in fewer episodes being produced annually.
The programme will retain its existing timeslot from 12:30pm to 1:30pm on weekdays.
Lorraine faces similar changes, with the show moving to a 30-week run and episodes being shortened to just half an hour, airing between 9:30am and 10am.
When the schedule alterations were first revealed in May, sources indicated that on-screen presenters would not be affected by the cuts.
Nadia Sawalha has spoken candidly about the ITV cuts
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ITV
A source told The Sun: “It’s been a tense time since the changes were announced in May and everyone has felt on edge, like they’re singing for their supper.”
Comedian and presenter Lee Peart, who has served as the show’s warm-up act since 2017, has also confirmed his departure from Loose Women.
He shared the news on Facebook alongside a photograph with panellists Ruth Langford, Gloria Hunniford and Kellé Bryan, announcing that audiences have just a fortnight remaining to see him perform before tapings.
Mr Peart wrote: “Two weeks today will be my final Loose Women! A bittersweet end of an era… the goodbyes are starting as it’s the last time I’ll work with Ruth, Gloria and Kellie in this capacity!”
Kaye Adams addressed her co-stars’ exits
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ITV
Ms Sawalha spoke about his exit on her podcast Coffee Moaning, which she hosts with husband Mark Adderley, describing Peart as her “dear friend” whom she works with daily.
The decision to eliminate live studio audiences from next year has particularly affected those working behind the scenes.
Ms Sawalha expressed her dismay about this change on her podcast, revealing: “From next year there will be no Loose Women audience. I am totally devastated by this fact, I can’t get over it at all.”
She added: “Not only because the audience is so important for the show, but also my dear friend Lee who I work with every day.”
Despite the upheaval, those appearing on screen are expected to keep their positions.