Ruth Langsford explains Loose Women omission as she teases ‘powerhouse panellists’ for special show

Loose Women presenter Ruth Langsford teased a special edition of the show, which will air on ITV1 and ITVX on Tuesday.

Ruth Langsford has cleared up why an upcoming Loose Women episode won’t touch on a sensitive topic.

During Monday’s (January 27) show, the panel excitedly discussed the unique over-70s special, which is set to be broadcast tomorrow at 12.30pm on ITV1 and ITVX. The episode features seasoned stars Janet Street-Porter, Prue Leith, Lesley Joseph, and Gloria Hunniford.

After teasing the special, Ruth pointed out that it was pre-recorded before Lesley Joseph was aware of her co-star Pauline Quirke’s dementia diagnosis.

“Well, as you can see there, an exciting show tomorrow. We’ve got powerhouse panellists. Gloria, that’s going to be a great show. We just want to explain to people, though, that it’s a pre-record, and it was pre-recorded obviously before Lesley Joseph knew about Pauline,” Ruth explained.

Loose Women’s Ruth Langsford discussed the show’s over-70s special on Monday (January 27) ( 
Image:
ITV)

Gloria concurred, noting that they would have mentioned Pauline if they were aware of her diagnosis at the time of recording.

Pauline, famed for Birds of a Feather, has retired after a 50-year acting career following her dementia diagnosis, with her husband Steve Sheen confirming the sad news on January 21.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my wife Pauline’s decision to step back from all professional and commercial duties due to her diagnosis of dementia in 2021,” he stated.

Steve expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been there for Pauline, especially the staff at the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts (PQA). He finished with a request: “We kindly request privacy and understanding for Pauline and our family during this difficult period. Pauline just wants to spend time with her family, children and grandchildren,” reports the Liverpool Echo.

Pauline Quirke has retired from her 50-year acting career after being diagnosed with dementia ( 
Image:
Instagram)
Today’s special episode of Loose Women promises to be a cracker, talking about everything from style to lasting friendships in your 70s and the wisdom gained over the years.

On the programme, Gloria hinted at the positive vibes: “I think it’s a very positive programme and, of course, ITV is 70 years old this year, so it’s sort of the beginning of the celebrations. We love the channel, and we love being here, so it’s a good thing.”

Sally Shelford, editor of Loose Women, previously shared: “For 25 years Loose Women has mirrored the lives of those watching at home, with our wonderful panellists sharing their own experiences and leading the conversation on the topics that mean the most to our viewers.”

Sally didn’t hold back her excitement for ITV’s 70th anniversary, adding: “In ITV’s 70th year, we’re delighted to welcome Lesley and Prue to join Janet and Gloria on the panel for this very special show, shining a spotlight on important issues and celebrating what it means to be 70 and 80 today. With an unrivalled wealth of experience and life stories, there will be amazing anecdotes, heartfelt advice and lots of laughs along the way.”