Loose Women panellist Nadia Sawalha has spoken out about ITV’s sudden and sweeping changes to its daytime programming, describing them as “absolutely brutal.” Speaking emotionally on her YouTube channel, Sawalha revealed that hundreds of behind-the-scenes staff were blindsided by the news, facing unexpected redundancies.
The cuts were part of a broader plan announced by ITV, which involves eliminating over 220 jobs across various shows, including Loose Women and Lorraine. Sawalha expressed heartfelt concern for her colleagues, many of whom have worked on these productions for decades.
Loose Women and Lorraine Face Major Cuts Amid ITV’s Cost-Saving Programming Strategy
The changes will significantly reduce airtime for both Loose Women and Lorraine. Loose Women, which traditionally aired for most of the year, will now be broadcast for only 30 weeks annually. Lorraine’s weekday morning show will also be reduced in both duration and frequency, cut to 30-minute episodes airing for 30 weeks each year.
ITV confirmed these adjustments as part of its wider cost-cutting strategy, aiming to streamline operations while maintaining programming quality. Good Morning Britain will fill part of the schedule gap, extending its airtime to 10:00 BST during Lorraine’s off weeks.
Nadia Sawalha Slams ITV’s Brutal Daytime Cuts as Loose Women and Lorraine Face Major ReductionsSawalha emphasized the precarity of the panellists’ positions on Loose Women, clarifying that they are all self-employed. As such, job security is uncertain, and she acknowledged that she could be let go at any time. The potential reduction in the pool of panellists has raised concerns among the show’s regular contributors.
Despite Loose Women and Lorraine being highly successful programs, Sawalha noted that even strong performance hasn’t shielded them from budget cuts, highlighting how inflation and broader industry pressures are driving difficult decisions.
Behind-the-Scenes Workers Face Emotional Toll Amid ITV Cuts and Industry-Wide Challenges
A major focus of Sawalha’s message was the emotional and financial toll on off-screen staff. She passionately defended the crews who work tirelessly behind the scenes, noting that their contributions often go unrecognized. She described scenes of colleagues walking around in shock and fear, dealing with the sudden loss of their livelihoods.
Sawalha criticized some of the public discourse around the cuts as “misogynistic” and urged people to consider the human cost of these programming decisions, especially for long-time employees.
ITV executives have cited falling advertising revenues and broader economic challenges as the reasons behind the restructuring. Managing Director Kevin Lygo reiterated the company’s commitment to daytime programming but acknowledged the impact on staff.
The cuts come as part of a larger cost-reduction initiative, with ITV aiming to save £30 million in non-content expenses by 2025. Alongside daytime changes, flagship soaps like Coronation Street and Emmerdale will also see reduced screen time. The move reflects an industry-wide trend, as traditional broadcasters adapt to changing viewing habits and financial pressures.