Sherrie Hewson Recalls Playful Moment with Coleen Nolan on ITV’s Loose Women

Sherrie Hewson shared a humorous anecdote from her time on ITV’s popular daytime show, Loose Women, revealing that her co-star Coleen Nolan once kicked her under the table after an “outrageous” comment. This incident highlights the lively banter that has characterized the show since its inception.

During a recent interview with The Sun, the 75-year-old actress recounted attending the show a few months ago. She recalls making a bold remark that prompted Nolan’s playful reaction. “I said, on air: ‘Don’t kick me,’ and she replied: ‘But I like to kick you!'” Hewson reflected on the light-hearted atmosphere that allows for such exchanges, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie among the panelists.

Hewson, who was part of Loose Women from 2003 until 2017, noted a shift in the show’s dynamics over the years. While she reminisced about a time when nothing was deemed off-limits, she acknowledged that her recent comments still stirred some reactions. “We had rows, yes. I had awful ding-dongs with Janet Street-Porter—I’d tell her to shut up because I thought she was talking rubbish,” she admitted, underscoring the spirited discussions that often take place on the panel.

Despite the occasional disagreements, Hewson stressed the importance of healthy debate, suggesting that differing opinions should be welcomed. “We should all be able to agree to disagree,” she stated, reinforcing the notion that diverse viewpoints enrich conversations.

Hewson’s comments come at a time when Loose Women faces significant changes. Starting in January 2026, the show will reduce its airtime to just 30 weeks per year due to budget cuts at ITV. The decision, described by Hewson as “cruel,” has raised concerns about the impact on viewers, particularly older audiences who rely on the show for companionship and engagement.

In her advocacy for the show’s significance, Hewson highlighted the emotional connection many viewers have with Loose Women. “Women of all ages, those up to 95 down to younger women at home with young children, it’s like therapy to them,” she explained. She expressed concern that the reduction in episodes could deprive vulnerable viewers of a vital source of connection and conversation.

As a volunteer in care homes, Hewson has witnessed firsthand how much the show means to patients with dementia. “Watching Loose Women can feel like being part of a conversation and, for some, even provide a reason to live,” she noted, emphasizing the show’s role in maintaining social connections for those who may feel isolated.

The announcement of the budget cuts has led to broader discussions about the treatment of older audiences in broadcasting. Hewson criticized ITV for neglecting this demographic, despite evidence indicating that viewers over 55 consume more television than any other age group. “Some people are lonely, and it is a lifeline for them, the only discussion they may actually be part of during the day,” she reiterated.

In light of these changes, ITV’s Managing Director of Media and Entertainment, Kevin Lygo, defended the decision by emphasizing the need for the network to remain profitable amid shifting viewing habits. He stated that the adjustments are essential for the company to continue offering trusted news, debate, and discussion.

The upcoming shifts in programming also affect other shows, including Good Morning Britain and Lorraine, both of which will see changes in scheduling as ITV adapts to the evolving media landscape. Good Morning Britain will now run for an additional half-hour, resulting in Lorraine being reduced to a 30-minute slot.

Despite the organizational changes and her departure from the show years ago, Hewson remains passionate about the impact of Loose Women on its audience. She insists that shows like this are crucial for fostering a sense of interaction among the older generation.

As ITV prepares for these changes, the future of Loose Women remains uncertain, with implications for its format and studio location. Insiders suggest that the show may move to a new central London studio, but official confirmation is pending.

The ongoing evolution of Loose Women reflects broader trends within the television industry, as networks strive to balance viewer engagement with financial viability. The outcome of these adjustments will ultimately determine how the show continues to resonate with its audience in the years to come.