Loose Women star eyes up normal office job amid ITV cuts bloodbath

Brenda Edwards rose to fame after finishing fourth on The X Factor in 2005. Since then she has forged a successful career as a theatre star and become a firm favourite on the Loose Women panel, which she joined in 2019. The star has brought her trademark fun and humour to the chat show, previously confessing that she and Judi Love are the“ wildest Loose Women”.

But it’s all change soon, after ITV announced that the show will be aired for just 30 weeks a year from January. Here, Brenda, 56, gives her surprisingly philosophical take on the news – and reveals the beloved soap she’d adore a part in and why, when work is lean, she’s quite happy to return to her temping job...

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Hi Brenda! Loose Women is so popular, it’s hard to believe ITV is cutting its screen time next year…

I think a lot of people were surprised, but it’s a business and you’ve got to run a business in the most efficient way possible. I don’t have anything to do with the business side, I’m just about giving my stories, opinions and views on things, so as long as I’m allowed to do that, I’m happy.

Rumour has it they may stop filming with a live audience…

They haven’t confirmed it, but I would miss it. A live audience is great because it gives you some affirmation, it confirms the things that you’re saying when With Brian May in We Will Rock You they clap. But we did without in lockdown, so... There might be a lot of fans at home who write in and ask for the audience back. So we’ll see.

Do you think it will still be successful with the changes?

I do. Because there is always a space for women – and men, because there are Loose Men as well. There is definitely a space for us to get our opinions out and help others. While there is somebody who needs helping or entertaining, there is always a space for Loose Women and Loose Men.

The show will be missed when it’s not on during the summer holidays...

Yes, it won’t air during the summer holidays and when Ascot and the racing is on, but we will just be bigger and better when we do come back. You’ve met so many celebrities on the show.

Who is the one person you still hope to meet?

Well, I would have loved to meet Whitney Houston, because she was my idol. I never got to do that, but I did get to see her in concert at Wembley.

What’s your funniest celeb story so far?

I was playing the Killer Queen in the musical We Will Rock You in Manchester and Brian May came to play his guitar. He came from one side of the stage, Roger Taylor came from the back of the stage on the drums, and they collided. I tried to save Brian – I went to get his hand but he stopped me. He kept playing his guitar, because he’s a rock star. In the words of Queen, The Show Must Go On.

You previously said you’d love to go on Strictly this year. Have they been in touch?

No, I haven’t been asked yet. I have a few other exciting things lined up, but I can’t say anything right now.

What about soaps? Would you ever consider a part on EastEnders?

Oh, I’d love it! If they came calling, of course I would. I’m a major fan and I’ve been watching it since it started. I love EastEnders – there is always a story there.

You could play Denise’s cousin on the show…

I could. Let’s manifest it! I could be Denise’s long-lost cousin, and it actually turns out that I had the child, not Denise.

The X Factor changed the course of your life. Did you ever imagine you’d leave your old job in accounts and do what you’re doing now?

I still go back to working in accounts when the jobs aren’t coming in. If I haven’t got any work on, I go back to temping. I’ve got a mortgage to pay. I’m not shy. Work is work and money is money. I’ve got to make my money even if I’m not doing anything on stage or on TV.

When was the last time you temped, then?

Just coming out of lockdown. I temped at Twickenham rugby ground and I worked in accounts payable. I’ve got my certificates, so I know how to do it. It’s like riding a bike – you never forget. I’m not afraid of hard work. Bring it on!

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