Sherrie Hewson becomes the latest former Loose Women star to take a swipe at the panel show after Denise Welch announced she was quitting her role after almost 25 years18:02, 14 Aug 2026Former Loose Women star Sherrie Hewson has admitted the show isn't what it used to be as Denise Welch became the latest panellist to leave. Sherrie, who sat on the panel between 2003 and 2016, says she feels the women 'no longer have the same freedom' that they used to have during her spell.‌The 75-year-old said: "'Times have changed, but we were very free and we could talk about anything. We could say anything.‌"We could discuss what we wanted, but now you can't. It's a very different time. You have to be controlled; you can't say this, you can't say that. It was just very free.‌"It was just women talking, but we didn't think anybody was watching, and I don't think they were.'Former Corrie star Sherrie was speaking to Zingo Bingo and said in her era that had a host of amazing guests. And she admitted it's sad that " that's all gone now" as she criticised the decision to remove the studio audience.‌She claimed the show became very "formulaic" and "structured", taking away what she felt made their show such a success. "We were never like that," she said as she called the daytime show "subdued" these days.The star was the latest to have a swipe at the show after Carol McGiffin's blunt words. Responding to Denise Welch's exit announcement, she said: "Baaaabes, [three clapping emojis] can't believe you stuck it out for so long!‌"Upwards and upwards it is then. I won’t see you up there but hope to see you down here sometime."Carol initially appeared on Loose Women from 2000 until 2013, and, along with Denise, returned to the desk five years later. But three years ago, the former Celebrity Big Brother star made her final appearance on the panel.Denise said in her exit announcement: "I’m leaving Loose Women after the best part of 25 years, off and on. I did leave for about seven years and went back in 2018. This show has been part of mine, and my family’s life, for nearly a quarter of a century."‌In the Instagram video, Denise went on: "I have the most wonderful, wonderful memories and it’s just that acting has always been my first love and, I think, the thing I’m best at."At the moment, I’m having the most wonderful opportunities coming my way and I’m grabbing them by the you-know-whats and running with it for this new chapter of my life.“And so I just wanted to say that in person to thank all of the people who have shared my stories with me. I’ve shared my life with you - the good, the bad and the ugly. I’m very marmite but I cherish all the comments, good or bad, that I’ve had over the years."Article continues belowShe added: “I just hope you wish me well for this new exciting chapter in my life. I’ll miss everybody but I will remain friends with the whole gang because, despite what you might read, we are a happy band of campers. Lots of love, thanks for sticking with me.”Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads.