Television personality and actress Linda Robson, best known for her role in the beloved series Birds of a Feather, has expressed her enthusiastic support for the addition of a transgender panelist to the popular ITV talk show Loose Women. Appearing as a regular panelist on the show since 2012, Robson has become a cherished figure among viewers for her candidness and warmth.
During an interview at the recent TV Choice Awards, Robson, now 66, shared her inclusive vision for the show. "Yeah, it would be great," she told Metro, referring to the potential for a transgender woman to join the panel. "We’re welcome to everybody so that would be fantastic." Robson's comments reflect the show's ongoing commitment to promoting diversity and representation on its platform.
Loose Women features a dynamic group of permanent and rotating panelists, including figures like The Saturdays' singer Frankie Bridge, Colleen Nolan of The Nolan Sisters, and journalist Janet Street-Porter. Over the years, the show has also welcomed numerous LGBTQ+ personalities, such as former athlete Dame Kelly Holmes and GK Barry, a fan favorite from I’m A Celebrity! Get Me Out of Here.
In a notable moment for the series, journalist India Willoughby was invited to the show in 2016 to discuss her transition journey. She later made history by becoming the first transgender woman to co-host Loose Women, marking a significant milestone as the first trans person to co-host an all-women TV panel show globally.
The show, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, has maintained a tradition of featuring high-profile trans stars, including author Munroe Bergdorf and Big Brother winner Nadia Almada, who have shared their personal stories and insights with the audience.
Robson further articulated her openness towards welcoming "everybody" as a guest on the show, although she humorously noted that she might struggle to hold her tongue if former president Donald Trump were to make an appearance. "I don’t think I’d be able to hold myself back from Donald Trump actually," she admitted, referencing the controversial figure's well-documented stance against the LGBTQ+ community.
Despite the potential challenges of hosting contentious figures, Robson expressed confidence in her ability to handle difficult conversations with her unique blend of charm and forthrightness. "I’m open to everybody and if there’s ever anyone who might be a bit tricky, they say ‘Linda can do it!’ because I get away with it like no one else," she quipped.
Besides her professional endeavors, Linda Robson has recently opened up about her personal life, notably her enduring friendship with Birds of a Feather co-star Pauline Quirke. In a heartfelt interview, Robson revealed the impact of Quirke’s dementia diagnosis. "I have noticed a real difference with her," she confessed to the Daily Express. "She doesn’t remember her grandchildren so she’s not going to remember who I am even though we’ve been friends 56 years. It really is sad." Her comments highlight the deep personal connections forged over decades of shared experiences.
As Loose Women continues to evolve, the potential inclusion of a transgender panelist represents a forward-thinking step in enhancing the show’s representation of diverse voices. Robson's advocacy for inclusivity aligns with the broader societal call for increased visibility and understanding of transgender individuals and issues.
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