Loose Women to honour show legend with special tribute on 10th anniversary of her death

Loose Women is set to honour the beloved Lynda Bellingham OBE with a moving tribute next week, marking a decade since her heart-wrenching passing.

TV audiences and fans were left in mourning when the cherished actress and presenter Lynda Bellingham, famously known for her time on Loose Women, sadly died on October 19, 2014, succumbing to colorectal cancer with her devoted husband Michael at her side.

Having graced the Loose Women panel for the first time on April 10, 2007, alongside famed co-stars such as Carol McGiffin and Coleen Nolan, Lynda quickly became an integral figure of the popular talk show. She delighted viewers with her charm and wit over 300 times until her departure in 2011, and even made a poignant final appearance in 2014 just before her untimely death.

Following her passing, Loose Women broadcast two heartfelt episodes celebrating her life and legacy. Kaye Adams announced on last Friday's programme (October 11) that this coming Wednesday, ITV's daytime hit will pay homage to Lynda once again with a special segment featuring members of her family.

In a recent discussion about upcoming televised dramas with actress Julie Graham, the topic shifted to fond recollections of "brilliant" Lynda, after which Kaye shared the plans for next week's commemorative episode with the audience, reports the Mirror.

The announcement comes in the wake of Jane McDonald, a former Loose Women personality, expressing her sentiment that Lynda continues to influence her life in spirit.

Singer and television celebrity Jane, aged 61, who shared the screen with Lynda from 2004 until 2010, credited her with providing significant opportunities throughout her career and remembered Lynda not only as a co-worker but also as a dear friend.

Jane expressed profound appreciation for Lynda's influence on her career and life, saying: "I owe such a lot to Lynda because she asked me to take over her Birmingham panto for that year when she was poorly.

"Thank goodness I did because through that I got Cats[Musical she appeared on stage in 2015], then through Cats and getting the vocal training that I did, that's when my voice changed, and I went on to be able to sing just about anything - that's all through Lynda."

Reflecting on the lasting impact of their friendship, Jane added: "So I still think Lynda's guiding us all in our own ways. Her and I became really, really good friends over the years of Loose Women.

"I'll always be grateful to Lynda for guiding me a little bit because she was the first person that interviewed Ed for the job as my boyfriend. She says I need to see this guy, and the first thing she said to him, what are your intentions to my friend?".

Loose Women airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 12.30pm