Hilarious comedian and presenter Judi Love puts those Loose Women ‘feud’ rumours firmly to bed as she opens up on comedy and friendship and an element of ‘guilt’ as a single mum
Since bursting onto our screens with her infectious energy and humour, Judi Love has become one of TV’s most beloved personalities. Best known for her role on ITV ’s long-running panel show Loose Women, the comedian, actress and presenter has carved out a unique space for herself in British entertainment.
Judi, 44, is as relatable as she is razor-sharp, and in an exclusive chat with OK!, she opens up about life behind the Loose Women desk, the “sisterhood” that keeps it all together and the truth behind those ‘feud’ rumours. Insisting she “gets on with everyone”, she tells us, “We’ve built genuine friendships.”
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But she does concede that the nature of the show coupled with the strong personalities on the panel means the odd clash isn’t unheard of. “Of course we all have different opinions, that’s the beauty of it. But everything is always done with respect,” she says firmly. “A different opinion doesn’t mean an argument. It’s a conversation.”
In recent weeks, whispers of tension behind the scenes have made headlines. Most notably, newcomer Olivia Attwood Dack – known for her appearance on Love Island and her no-nonsense persona – is reported to have ruffled feathers by bringing her own glam team on set.
But Judi isn’t here for the drama. “Do people ask the same thing when it’s Loose Men?” she quips. “Us girls are good. If you’ve got your own make-up team, it’s not a bad reflection of the team in-house – it’s just someone else is used to your face. That should be looked at as a positive and how inclusive the show and the team are to make sure people are comfortable.”
Judi’s own approach to pre-show prep is more low-key, not that she feels any less glam. “We slay all the time!” she says. “I get my make-up done, I walk out and I’m slaying. Period!”
A single mother-of-two and former social worker, Judi’s journey has been anything but conventional. She made her comedy debut in 2011 with a hilariously honest routine about caring for her late mother.
Since then, she’s graced stages up and down the country with her bold, observational style. Her break-out moment came in 2020 when she joined Loose Women as part of the show’s first ever all-Black panel – a moment Judi recalls with deep pride. “It was so powerful to be part of something that hadn’t been done before,” she says. “Now, five years on, I’m still here – that says it all, doesn’t it?”
Judi says her closest bonds are with co-stars Nadia Sawalha, Charlene White, Kaye Adams, Brenda Edwards and Jane Moore – women she regularly catches up with outside the studio, too.
Describing her time on Loose Women as nothing short of “fantastic”, she credits its diversity and the meaningful conversations at its core. “It’s always fun, always lively. The topics are wide-ranging. It’s a space where I can be myself – not just as a comedian, but as a woman, a mother and a voice for the community,” she explains.
Throughout her time there, Judi has been involved in a number of campaigns, including Facing It Together, which marked the show’s 25th anniversary and shone a light on domestic abuse. “It’s so important that women like us, who are visible and vocal, speak out on issues that matter,” she says. “No one should feel ashamed or alone.”
Her most memorable moment? “Definitely the all-Black panel. That will always be iconic,” she says. “But raising money for charity and connecting with the audience in real time for 25 hours was unforgettable, too. It’s about support and using our platform for good.”
Away from the glitz of the TV studio, Judi is a doting mum and fiercely proud single parent. “My kids are the ones who keep me grounded,” she says. “I could be off interviewing a Hollywood star but the moment I step through the door it’s, ‘Mum, what’s for dinner?’ It’s beautiful – I love it.”
Balancing her busy career with motherhood isn’t always easy, but Judi approaches it with her signature warmth and wisdom. “I try to do it with love and grace,” she tells us. “There’s a lot of parent guilt, especially as a single mum, but I remind myself I’m setting an example. My children are growing up seeing powerful women all around them. That’s a gift.”
Judi is keenly aware of the challenges young people face in today’s world, particularly with social media. “You have to have the conversations,” she says. “Whether it’s with your own kids, nieces or nephews – we need to be aware of the pressures they’re under and offer support.”
Born and raised in Hackney, Judi credits her upbringing for her values, humour and resilience. “There was always laughter, always love,” she says. “I grew up in the 80s – it was a community. It was simple, and that definitely grounded me.”
That sense of community is something she’s found again on Loose Women, especially with the launch of the show’s brand new podcast. “The podcast has been a great addition,” she says. “It gives us a chance to delve deeper. We get questions from the audience and we talk in a more intimate setting. It’s like inviting the viewers into our group chat.”
With guests like Gloria Hunniford and more exciting topics on the horizon, the Loose Women podcast is already creating a buzz among fans. “We always say the viewers are our fifth panellist, and this is our way of giving them more of us,” Judi explains.
When asked what she wishes more people understood about being a Black woman in entertainment, Judi answers candidly, “That we still have to ask that question, that says it all, doesn’t it? Everyone wants to be seen, represented and treated equally.”
And while she recognises that the industry has made strides, she’s also clear that there’s still a lot of work to be done. “We live in a society where being different can still be an issue – whether it’s your race, your size, your age. But finding allyship, building connections, that’s what makes the real difference.”
