Lead panellist Charlene White confirmed they would not return on Friday (Image: ITV)

On Thursday’s (December 11) episode of Loose Women, lead panellist Charlene White announced that the show would not be airing on Friday. The ITV host informed viewers that they would return to screens on Monday 15 December, as the programme had been taken off the schedule for 12 December. Instead, ITV will be broadcasting live racing from Cheltenham, replacing the chat show. It’s not unusual for Loose Women to be rescheduled to accommodate sporting events or the Budget.

As the Christmas Meeting kicks off in Cheltenham, Ed Chamberlain will be presenting the coverage for the first day. The programme, which will air from 1pm to 4pm, will also feature racing highlights from Bangor, reports the Mirror.

Loose Women is facing a number of changes next year (Image: ITV)

This news follows the announcement that a member of the Loose Women team is leaving their role after eight years.

ITV revealed changes to Loose Women in 2026, which include the removal of the live studio audience.

Consequently, comedian Lee Peart will no longer serve as the warm-up act. He confirmed his departure on social media, stating: “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!”.

Nadia Sawalha expressed her disappointment at the loss of the studio audience on her Coffee Moaning podcast, saying: “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.

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Loose Women usually airs on ITV from Monday to Friday (Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

“Not only because the audience is so important for the show, but also my dear friend Lee who I work with every day.”

Additional alterations to the popular programme include relocating to fresh premises in London, with broadcasts scheduled to run on a reduced 30-week “seasonal basis”.