Why is Loose Women Not on Today?
Loose Women is not airing today, raising questions among its viewers. The reason for this absence is the ITV network’s decision to prioritize coverage of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival, which runs from March 10 to March 13, 2026.
This change is part of ITV’s broader programming adjustments, which were announced in May 2025. The network has opted to cut Loose Women to a seasonal schedule of just 30 weeks starting in 2026, significantly reducing its previous frequency. As a result, episodes will now only air during specific weeks of the year, rather than year-round.
In addition to the reduction in the number of weeks, the runtime for each episode of Loose Women has also been shortened. The show, which traditionally aired for an hour, will now be limited to a 30-minute slot. This change is part of ITV’s strategy to streamline its daytime programming, which also affects other popular shows like Lorraine and This Morning.
Kaye Adams, a long-time host of Loose Women, confirmed the break on March 6, 2026, stating, “There is a reason to get tearful, it’s your last Loose Women for a few weeks.” This sentiment resonates with many fans who look forward to the show’s discussions and insights.
Despite the current hiatus, Loose Women is expected to return in April 2026, allowing fans to enjoy their favorite segments and discussions once again. Adams reassured viewers, saying, “We will be back next month. Until then, take care, have a fabulous weekend and Easter, and we’ll see you very soon!” This promise of a return provides some comfort to the show’s dedicated audience.
ITV’s programming changes are not just limited to Loose Women. Kevin Lygo, ITV’s managing director, emphasized the importance of daytime television, stating, “Daytime has been a core element of ITV’s schedule for over 40 years and these changes will set ITV up to continue to bring viewers award-winning news, views and discussion as we enter our eighth decade.” This indicates a strategic shift in how ITV plans to engage its audience moving forward.
As viewers await the return of Loose Women, they will need to adjust to the new schedule and the shorter episodes. The impact of these changes on the show’s format and viewer engagement remains to be seen. Details remain unconfirmed regarding how these adjustments will affect the show’s content and guest appearances in the future.