Dame Kelly Holmes joins Loose Women panel

Following her recent guest appearance, Dame Kelly Holmes has announced she's joined ITV Daytime show Loose Women panel as a permanent panellist.

Gold medal Olympian, World Champion, and British record breaker Dame Kelly, dialled into Wednesday's episode (7th September) to reveal her exciting news.

She excitedly told viewers: "I am so excited! I don’t think I’ve had this much of an adrenaline rush for so long.

"I feel like after doing my documentary, I feel I can talk and speak about subjects I never, ever talked about for fear. I am so excited to be with you ladies, you can’t imagine!”

Loose Women star Linda Robson revealed on the show she had lunch with Kelly a number of weeks ago, where the ladies went through the show's schedule.

Admitting she feels 'relaxed' for her new venture, Dame Kelly added: “I really am. I’m so interested in so many subjects, but I’d never kind of explored it. When I’ve listened before, I’m like, ‘Yeah, I've got a little opinion on that’ or maybe experience on the subject.”

Dame Kelly then warned: “Also ladies, be careful though, I’m going to be a whirlwind on the show. I’m teaching you a TikTok that I’m learning at the moment because I don’t do ageing ladies, I’m refusing to get old. I’m teaching you to get moving, get active, so be ready, I’m teaching you a TikTok!"

She added: “I can’t wait to do so many more things with all of you. You inspire me. Everyone’s got a story, we’ve all got a life history and hopefully we can explore that soon.”

Loose Women’s Editor Sally Shelford said: “We are thrilled and honoured to have Dame Kelly Holmes join the Loose Women panel. She is a national treasure and an inspiration to us all.

“We can’t wait to get her take on the topics of the day, plus she has already set us the challenge of taking her out of her comfort zone and putting her sense of adventure to the test. Watch this space!”

Check out all of the TV shows you can apply to be on:

Dame Kelly made the brave decision to come out as gay back in June, after 34 years of silence.

Bravely opening up in an interview with the Sunday Mirror, the 52-year-old said: "I needed to do this now, for me. It was my decision. I’m nervous about saying it. I feel like I’m going to explode with excitement.

“Sometimes I cry with relief. The moment this comes out, I’m essentially getting rid of that fear.”

Kelly also created an ITV documentary called Kelly Holmes: Being Me, where she opened up about significant parts of her life and confessed the emotional journey she's been on over the last 30 years.

Dame Kelly will begin her Loose Women career on Monday 12th September.

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• Loose Women