Jamelia axed from Loose Women over ‘offensive comments’

Popstar Jamelia has allegedly been axed from the Loose Women panel following her “offensive comments” about plus-sized clothing last year.

The ITV daytime show is known for its open discussion of often-controversial topics, but the singer reportedly infuriated Loose Women bosses with her rant against plus-sized clothing on the high street.

Copyright [Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock]

During a heated debate about the topic, which aired in April 2015, Jamelia remarked: “I think everyone should have access to lovely clothes, but I do not think it’s right to facilitate people living an unhealthy lifestyle.

“In high street stores you’re catering for the average woman, there’s a healthy range and I don’t believe they should be providing clothes for below that range or above that range.

“I’m not saying that nowhere should, I believe that yes have specialist shops but I do think that you should feel uncomfortable if you are unhealthy.”

The mother-of-two later apologised for upsetting viewers with her insensitive opinions, but an ITV insider has since revealed that it was the final straw for producers.

Copyright [Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock]

“Jamelia really annoyed bosses with her comments on high street shops selling bigger clothes,” a source told The Sun. “The show is often close to the bone but those comments were the final straw.”

They added: “Loose Women’s viewers come in all shapes and sizes and the producers don’t want them to be offended.”

Following her cloak-and-dagger departure, Jamelia is said to be concentrating on other projects, significantly presenting her own hair and beauty features for This Morning.

Meanwhile an ITV spokesperson has downplayed the speculation, saying: “Jamelia remains part of the ITV Daytime family and is currently working on This Morning.”

Loose Women continues weekdays at 12.30pm on ITV.