Loose Women's Ruth Langsford confirms new star on ITV show after 'empty' seat on panel
Ruth Langsford had some big news for Loose Women viewers on Monday, with the introduction of a star on the panel, after one seat was noticeably empty as the show began.
In keeping with her usual schedule, ex This Morning presenter Ruth was back on hosting duties as the ITV discussion programme returned for its first episode of a new week. Before opening titles had even rolled on the hour long broadcast, Ruth took part in a TV soap inspired sketch, which saw her and co-stars Denise Welch and Nadia Sawalha stood against a pub backdrop to create a scenario akin to famous soap pubs The Rovers Return and Queen Victoria.
During her time on Coronation Street, Denise's character Natalie Horrocks was actually land lady of the Rovers, while as Albert Square resident Annie Palmer, Nadia was often in the Queen Vic. And the duo weren't the only soap stars involved in the sketch as the Loose Women panellists were then joined by Lucy Pargeter, well known to millions of viewers for playing Chas Dingle in Emmerdale.
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As her character is at the centre of a breast cancer storyline, Lucy was then announced by Ruth as the star guest panellist as Loose Women dedicated the whole episode to the nation's love of soaps. Asked how she had prepared for her stint as a panellist, Lucy said her biggest fear was not to swear, as she then received a video message from on-screen son Danny Miller.
As well as hearing Lucy talking about the trauma currently being faced by Chas and her family, during the course of the soap special, the panel also looked back on iconic moments from soap past, including Deidre being sent to prison, having been taken in by con man boyfriend Jon Lindsay, in a storyline that shocked millions and spawned the 'Free The Wetherfield One' campaign.