How Loose Women lost its edge

Carol reflects on the show's shift from playful, varied opinions to a more censored, risk-averse format.

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Carol McGiffin joins Heretics for a brutally honest, no-holds-barred conversation about why she really left Loose Women and what was happening behind the scenes at one of daytime TV’s biggest shows. From explosive rows in the dressing room to being repeatedly censored by ITV, Carol explains how the atmosphere shifted as the show – and the wider industry – became more rigid, risk-averse and, in her words, “woke”.

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We talk about the moments viewers never saw: the massive backstage bust-up before going live, the topics she was warned not to touch, and what happened when she dared to mention Trump on air. Carol opens up about being “forced out”, the pressure to conform on issues like trans debates and women’s sport, and why she believes presenters are now expected to say one thing on TV while thinking another in private.

Beyond Loose Women, we get into her clashes with Carol Vorderman over the moon landings and climate change, what she really thinks about Piers Morgan, memories from Celebrity Big Brother, Rylan and immigration, modern feminism, Kate Garraway’s situation with Derek, and why she believes TV has lost its sense of humour and honesty. If you’ve ever suspected that mainstream TV is more scripted, controlled and performative than it looks – this episode will confirm your suspicions.

👉 Watch to the end for Carol’s take on climate debates, Russia, “heretics” she admires, and why she thinks some opinions are now completely off-limits on British television.

#CarolMcGiffin #LooseWomen #HereticsPodcast

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Chapters:

0:00 Carol McGiffin Highlights

1:30 Why Carol McGiffin Left Loose Women

5:00 What The Show Was Like At First

7:15 Moon Landing Carol Vorderman Argument

9:00 Going to the Pub - Not Allowed