Loose Women will only be broadcasting for 30 weeks of the year on ITV, which will cause Sherrie Hewson to react. From January, the daytime schedule will change.
A Loose Women panellist has criticised the decision to reduce the output of the long-running ITV show. It follows the news of several changes to the broadcaster’s daytime schedule from the start of next year.
The show will begin airing only for 30 weeks of its runtime starting in January, according to a May announcement. It will be broadcast on a “seasonable basis” for an additional hour between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. According to ITV, the schedule changes “were in part due to it]generating savings that will allow it to reinvest the program budget in other genres.”
Sherrie Hewson, 74, who was a panellist on Loose Women between 2003 and 2017, has now questioned the decision to reduce the number of episodes. She’s suggested that it is “cruel,” describing the show as a “lifeline” to some viewers.
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She told the Sun: “For women of all ages, those up to 95 down to younger women at home with young children, it’s like therapy to them.” Sherrie added that it “feels cruel and sad” that the broadcaster is cutting episodes of Loose Women, which she said can “bring anger and emotions. “
The actor claimed that viewers “need shows where they can shout out to the TV.” The outlet then continued, saying, “Some people are lonely and it’s their only source of comfort during the day. They use it as a lifeline.”
Sherrie argued that “TV should be a source of joy,” before adding that Loose Women offers the opportunity to “join in.” She predicted that “a lot of people” will miss the show over the coming weeks if it isn’t on next year.
She stated in the interview that was released earlier this weekend, “I know there are budget cuts, I know there are constraints.” However, she criticized Lorraine and Loose Women as “being affected by this,” calling it “such a shame”.
Sherrie reportedly works in nursing homes and told the outlet that Loose Women is “so crucial” for dementia patients living in these settings. She claimed that it “keeps them alive.” They feel as though they are “interacting,” and she observes them closely.
ITV announced upcoming changes to its daytime schedule in May. It was revealed that, from January next year, Good Morning Britain (GMB) will be extended by 30 minutes, with the show soon to be running from 6am to 9.30am daily.
Lorraine will be shortened by 30 minutes, running from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., and will only air on a seasonal basis for 30 weeks a year. GMB will be broadcast between 6am and 10am during the weeks when it isn’t on.
This Morning will remain in its 10am to 12.30pm slot on weekdays throughout the year. Loose Women will stay in its 12.30pm to 1.30pm slot but will only air on a seasonal basis for 30 weeks of the years when the changes happen.
Additionally, it was made known that ITV News’ London-based GMB team will work there. While ITV Studios will continue to produce Lorraine, This Morning, and Loose Women, which will be televised from a new city location.
The changes were described in a statement released at the time by Kevin Lygo, managing director of ITV’s Media and Entertainment division. He added, “Daytime is a really important part of what we do, and these scheduling and production changes will allow us to continue to deliver a schedule that gives viewers the news, debate, and discussion they love from the presenters they know and trust.” It also saves money, which will allow us to reinvest across the programme budget in other genres.
He continued, adding that the adjustments would increase the news output. At a time when our viewers are more demanding for accurate, unbiased news coverage than ever, he added, “These changes also allow us to consolidate our news operations, expand our national, international, and regional news output.”
Kevin continued, “I am aware that our plans will have an impact on Daytime production teams’ off-screen staff, and we will work with ITV Studios and ITN to help them transition.” As we approach the eighth decade, ITV will continue to offer viewers award-winning news, views, and discussion as a key component of its programming for more than 40 years.
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Source: Mirror
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