Loose Women is to resume filming after six weeks off our screens, ITV has confirmed.
As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the daytime show halted production last month, airing reruns of “classic” episodes in its place.
However, it’s now been announced that Loose Women will begin filming again from Monday, albeit with a few minor changes.
In accordance with social distancing guidelines, only three presenters will appear in the studio at a time, with a fourth panellist appearing from home via video-link.
ITV has also said that only two episodes a week will be going out live, with pre-recorded shows airing on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Emma Gorley of ITV daytime said: “We are thrilled to be able to bring Loose Women back for brand new shows in the studio from Monday. As we continue to respond to the crisis and adapt our shows accordingly we’ve made some temporary adjustments to enable us to get back on air whilst ensuring the safety of all of our teams.
“We know our viewers have missed their daily lunchtime catch up with the Loose Women and we look forward to hearing from them all on Monday.”
As well as its usual “daily dose of warmth, laughter, and topical debate”, Loose Women will also be taking the opportunity to raise awareness of mental health issues while the country is on lockdown, as part of the show’s Lighten The Load campaign.
Loose Women editor Sally Shelford said: “At Loose Women we have made it our mission to stop the stigma and start a conversation about mental health, covering issues from postnatal depression to anxiety and addiction. With many of our viewers struggling with lockdown, speaking openly and honestly about mental health worries to offer comfort and advice has never felt more important.”
The coronavirus outbreak has had a huge effect across many industries, including entertainment, as evidenced by changes to ITV’s daytime schedule.
While Good Morning Britain and This Morning are continuing to air as usual – albeit with the presenters considerably further apart – Lorraine Kelly is currently hosting her hour-long show from the GMB studio.
Loose Women airs every weekday at 12.30pm.
