Linda Robson received a caution from host Christine Lampard after she made a risque tattoo revelation live on air.
The 66-year-old was joined on the show by Nadia Sawalha and Frankie Bridge, with Christine steering the conversation towards the recent news that Strictly Come Dancing’s Shirley Ballas had reportedly ended her six-year relationship with Danny Taylor.
The discussion turned to whether breakups become more difficult as one ages when a clip of Shirley on The Masked Singer UK was played. In the revealing clip, the BBC head judge admitted to having her boyfriend’s name tattooed on her bottom.
After viewing the video, Christine was curious about her co-star’s opinions on body art, particularly the concept of having someone’s name permanently marked on their skin.
The Birds Of A Feather actress had just been discussing her split from husband Mark, to whom she’d been married for 34 years, telling ITV viewers that they simply realised “they had nothing in common,” reports the Mirror.
Having stated that she “didn’t want to get jiggy-jiggy with anyone” now that her marriage was over and that love was certainly not on her agenda, Linda proceeded to express her views on tattoos.
To everyone’s surprise, the television icon said she would contemplate getting a design on her backside. She quipped: “If I were to have a tattoo on my bottom, it would be ‘no entry’.”
Her startling remark triggered an outburst of laughter in the studio, leading to a flurry as everyone tried to determine whether she’d made a comment that might require an apology.
Following what could have been a prompt from producers through their earpieces, Nadia quickly added, “I think you’re allowed to say that. You are allowed.”
Christine, however, felt differently, stating, “In the context of the conversation..”
Frankie blurted, “So where do we go from here, Christine? ” as Nadia held her head in her hands. Despite the confusion and chaos on set, they decided to move forward without a whisper of “sorry,” as attention turned to Frankie for her own views about the subject.
Frankie went on to reveal that she’d left her mum and dad unimpressed after having the top of her back inked. The Saturdays Singer knew this would cause a stir, telling the panel, “My parents hate tattoos.”
However, despite knowing friction would be had, Frankie decided to proceed with a sweet tribute to her grandmother. When she was a child, the songstress explained that her nan would always call her “sunshine ‘n’ showers,” and that was the exact phrase she had inked onto her body.
The rest of the panel agreed it was a “lovely heartfelt gesture,” despite not everyone agreeing on body art.
Loose Women airs weekdays on ITV, from 12:30pm.