This afternoon’s episode of Loose Women seemingly descended into mild disarray as the show went live with only three panellists on set. The ITV daytime favourite experienced a bit of a stir when Nadia Sawalha was “late” for her live appearance.
Leading the charge was Christine Lampard, wife of football icon Frank Lampard, who was accompanied by fellow stars Kelly Brook and Myleene Klass, while Nadia joined the team a bit later on.
Despite initial impressions, it turned out to be a planned stunt as Nadia made a grand entrance on a bicycle, helped by a producer before settling into her chair. After getting off the bike still donning her helmet, she exclaimed: “I was so frightened I was going to hurt the front row.”
Christine quickly offered words of encouragement, saying: “You were brilliant.” To which Nadia retorted, telling the host: “Shut up, I was so embarrassing.”
In a more sombre turn of events, the Loose Women team received heart-wrenching news during the live broadcast that their dear colleague Linda Nolan had tragically died of cancer, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Struggling to maintain composure, host Christine announced post-break: “Some very sad news for you now, Linda Nolan, Coleen’s sister who was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2017, has died at the age of 65.”
She added: “In a statement just released, it is with profound sadness that we announced the passing of Linda Nolan. She passed peacefully with her loving siblings by her bedside, ensuring she was embraced with love and comfort during her final moments.”
Christine wrapped up her poignant tribute with some heartfelt words, adding: “Linda’s legacy extends beyond her incredible achievement in music and entertainment, she was a beacon of hope and resilience, sharing her journey to raise awareness and inspire others, rest in peace Linda, you will be deeply missed.”
The whole panel felt a deep sense of sorrow upon hearing the news, and despite anticipating it, Nadia spoke of Linda’s astonishing courage and what her relatives endured alongside her.
She remarked: “Nothing prepares you for when the light goes out and when the light goes out that is the most awful shock and they’ve been through so much as a family.” Nadia concluded with: “Sending all of our love.”
Agent Dermot McNamara released a statement to the Mirror confirming the loss of Linda Nolan, saying: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Linda Nolan, the celebrated Irish pop legend, television personality, Guinness World Record holding West End star, Sunday Times bestselling author and Daily Mirror columnist.
“She passed away at around 10:20 am at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on the MCEW Ward. The family has expressed that the hospital staff were remarkable, tirelessly working, and could not have done more.”
Loose Women airs weekdays on ITV1, from 12:30pm.