Popular Loose Women star announces lengthy departure from show

With her strong views and opinions on topics, Janet Street Porter has become a popular panellist on ITV/STV daytime show Loose Women over the years, but she's now announced she's taking a lengthy break from the show to undergo an operation.

Appearing on the episode on Wednesday 2nd October, 77-year-old Janet told viewers: "On Friday, I'm having my hip replacement operation at last! I can't think about anything else. As I'm sitting here, I'm shaking, my hands are freezing cold, I've been shivering."

She added: "When they open me up what's going to come out? What if they can't get it back together?

"I'm just going to go into hospital on Friday, have the operation on Friday afternoon, staying in hospital for a few days and then go really, really work at rehab and physio, so that I can come back as soon as possible.

"I'll have to do one of those broadcasts from my phone hospital bed, I'm gonna see."

Janet, who first joined the Loose Women panel way back in 2011, told co-star Coleen Nolan backstage about how nervous she is to undergo the operation.

Janet said: "I am vulnerable and, you know what, it's my own fault now because they told me in March to have it done, I delayed and delayed and delayed it.

"And then, at the weekend, I had some winter vegetables and plants delivered, and in spite of my partner screaming at me, 'Do not plant them,' I was on all fours lying on the ground poking these little parsnips and things in.

"And then, all Sunday morning, I could not move. I just could not move. And I really messed up the other side of my back now, so I've had to lie down for two days.

"It's brought home to me that, you know, I've let myself get too weak and I've never been like this in my life before, so it's just so irritating."

Although it hasn't been announced when Janet will return, the episode ended with Christine Lampard reading out well-wishes from viewers, and Coleen gifting Janet a lovely bunch of flowers.

Back in July this year, Loose Women celebrated Janet's 1000th appearance on the show.

Sharing a montage of her best bits on social media, the post read: 'She’s been an unstoppable force since she first graced the panel in 2011 and now we’re celebrating her 1,000th appearance on Loose Women. Here’s some of Janet’s best moments over the years 🙌'. (sic)

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