Why is Loose Women not on today?
Loose Women is not airing today as ITV has made adjustments to its programming schedule to accommodate coverage of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival. This annual event, which runs from March 10 to March 13, 2026, has led to the temporary suspension of several daytime shows, including Loose Women.
ITV’s decision to cut Loose Women from its schedule is part of a broader change that will see the show operate on a 30-week seasonal schedule starting in 2026. This means that the show will not air every week of the year as it has in the past. Additionally, episodes will now be reduced to a 30-minute runtime instead of the previous hour-long format.
Kaye Adams, one of the show’s presenters, 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 reflects the show’s loyal audience, who may be disappointed by the temporary absence.
The changes to Loose Women are not isolated; ITV’s adjustments also impact other popular daytime programs like Lorraine and This Morning. Kevin Lygo, ITV’s Managing Director of Media and Entertainment, noted, “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 manage its programming in the future.
Loose Women typically airs on weekdays at 12.30pm, providing viewers with discussions on various topics, often featuring celebrity guests and expert opinions. Fans of the show can expect it to return in April 2026, as confirmed by Adams, who reassured viewers, “We will be back next month. Until then, take care, have a fabulous weekend and Easter, and we’ll see you very soon!”
As ITV navigates these changes, the network aims to balance its commitment to daytime programming with the demands of special events like the Cheltenham Festival. While the immediate future of Loose Women is clear, the long-term implications of this new schedule remain to be seen.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further adjustments to the show’s format or schedule beyond April 2026. Viewers will be keen to see how these changes affect the show’s content and its place within ITV’s lineup.
