Penny Lancaster eyes-up Loose Women guest role return amid 'quitting' claims

31 August 2023 , 22:46

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Penny Lancaster eyes-up Loose Women guest role return amid 'quitting' claims

Penny Lancaster hasn't fully quit her position on Loose Women on ITV following claims of a 'toxic' backstage atmosphere.

The 52-year-old, who is an ex-model and the wife of singer Rod Stewart, is no longer listed on the ITV daytime chat show's panellist list. The show has a rotation of presenters including Ruth Langsford, Frankie Bridge, Brenda Edwards, Coleen Nolan and Denise Welch. Penny had previously been a regular face since first appearing in 2014 and appeared on the show 47 times with her last appearance in September last year.

In recent years, various panellists have quit the ITV daytime programme including Carol McGiffin and Saira Khan. But despite claims Penny is leaving the show for good – this isn't the case.

Penny Lancaster will return to Loose Women in the near future (Ken McKay/ITV/REX)

A source close to Penny allegedly told The Sun: "Penny enjoyed doing the show but it requires a lengthy commitment from regular panel members and this is something Penny cannot do. She’s touring with Rod and also has family commitments both in the UK and abroad. She could still make a guest appearance."

But the Mirror understands that Penny has been approached to appear on the programme but due to work commitments was unable. However, while she is no longer a regular panellist on the show, she will be returning to her Loose Women seat in the near future as a "guest" panellist. A source told us: "It's obvious that Penny is no longer a regular panellist. This is purely due to other professional and personal commitments. Penny loves the show, and Loose Women loves Penny. But such appearances as she is able to make in the future will be as a guest."

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An ITV source told the Sun: "Loose Women features a rotating panel and we also often invite guest panellists to appear on the show and for specials too. Penny is a much-loved part of the award-winning Loose Women family and it is always a pleasure to have her on the panel, to discuss and reflect on topics close to both her heart and those of the viewers."

Penny Lancaster no longer appears on the list of panellists for the ITV show (Ken McKay/ITV/REX)

Penny Lancaster has appeared on Loose Women 47 times since joining in 2014 (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

Despite the comments, rumours that the daytime chat show is "cutthroat" and full of "toxicity" continue, in a similar fashion to what was seen from This Morning a few months ago. Talent agent Melanie Blake claimed Loose Women was a "cut-throat place to work and not This Morning." Melanie, who managed some of the biggest television stars previously said: "Considering I represented over 15 women on that show, I am only friends with Saira Khan. But I am in such a positive career space right now, it's just not a period of time I want to relive. But I can confirm in my experience, it's that show that's a cut-throat place to work and not This Morning."

Penny Lancaster last appeared on Loose Women in September last year (Ken McKay/ITV/REX)

Paralympic presenter Sophie Morgan has also defended the ITV show, which she routinely appears on since joining in 2021, as she told The Mirror: "Honest to god, I love the Loose Women. They are the greatest bunch of supporters and champions and they're funny. I love them, I love them all. They are just great, powerhouse women with humour and just lovely. I have so much respect and time for them and the people who work behind the camera. The whole family there - I love it. It's one of the things I look forward to coming back to."

Mirror contacted Penny Lancaster's representative for comment.

Niamh Spence