ITV Loose Women thrown into chaos with one star noticeably missing as show goes live

Loose Women was thrown into chaos this afternoon, as the show went live with just three panel members present. The ITV programme faced a shake up after Nadia Sawalha was "late" to appear live on air.

The show was led by football legend Frank Lampard's wife Christine Lampard, and she was joined by co-stars Kelly Brook and Myleene Klass, with Nadia joining the discussion some time later.

Despite how things may have appeared to viewers initially, it seemed to be all part of the plan as Nadia then entered the programme on a bike before being assisted by a producer and finally taking to her seat.

As she dismounted still wearing her helmet, she announced: "I was so frightened I was going to hurt the front row."

However, Christine reassured: "You were brilliant." Nadia shot back telling the host: "Shut up, I was so embarrassing."

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Meanwhile, the Loose Women panel received some emotional news while they were live on-air that their beloved co-star Linda Nolan had sadly lost her battle with cancer.

Host Christine could barely withhold her tears as she announced after a short 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 continued: "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.

"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 entire panel were moved deeply by sad news and while they knew it was coming, Nadia touched on Linda's inspirational journey and what her family had also been through with her.

She said: "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." She signed off with: "Sending all of our love."

In a statement released to the Mirror, agent Dermot McNamara, confirmed Linda's death, 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 at around 10:20am at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on the MCEW Ward. The family said the hospital couldn't do enough, they were tireless."

Loose Women airs weekdays on ITV1, from 12:30pm.