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Loose Women 'civil war' as stars reportedly 'refuse to work' with Nadia Sawalha

Nadia Sawalha is said to be lining up a return to Loose Women, but the move has caused a major stir behind the scenes, with some stars reportedly refusing to work with her

[Nadia Sawalha Loose Women]

Nadia Sawalha was reportedly 'dropped' from Loose Women, but is now making a comeback(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

ITV execs are said to be grappling with a "civil war" rumbling backstage at Loose Women. It comes as they gear up to reinstate Nadia Sawalha as a regular panellist.

Sawalha has been absent from the daytime panel show in recent weeks following backlash over her YouTube channel with spouse Mark Adderley. The 61-year-old was last seen on Loose Women back in April, despite her long-running stint on the programme.

Debuting in 1999, she remained on the show until 2002 before making her comeback in 2013 and becoming a staple over the years that followed. Insiders have now claimed she is set to make her return, although its believed this isn't being universally welcomed behind the scenes.

[An individual with curly hair dressed in a pink blazer is seated and smiling at the camera. Behind them, a vibrant backdrop featuring a mix of blue and pink hues is visible, along with various decorative elements.]

Nadia Sawalha is reportedly set to make a return to Loose Women(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

A 15-page file containing correspondence urging bosses to block Sawalha's comeback has allegedly been submitted to senior figures, according to the Mirror. Speaking to the Sun, an insider revealed: "There is so much bad blood Nadia has many defenders on the show but others have made it crystal clear they will flat-out refuse to work with her."

They alleged she is perceived as a "loose cannon" and that some colleagues fear their own standing could be damaged by association. They went on to say the cast allegedly believed there were double standards on how Sawalha's controversy had been handled.

"Other stars have been hung out to dry or quietly iced out over relatively small misdemeanours, yet execs seem determined to defend Nadia," according to the insider. They claimed ITV's "protective" stance towards Sawalha has sparked "bitterness" behind the scenes and left some feeling it was "one rule for Nadia and another for the rest".

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It was also reported that another source claimed ITV bosses are "in a total panic" over the dossier they received. Meanwhile, Sawalha has denied claims that she was suspended from Loose Women, telling supporters: "I have not been suspended from Loose Women, but thank you for your lovely messages."

Her current extended break from the panel is reportedly linked to clips posted on her YouTube channel Coffee Moaning, which she co-hosts with her husband. Adderley was suspended by the Green Party ahead of local elections last month over allegations that he shared posts comparing Israel to Nazi Germany.

Sawalha, who has been campaigning for the Green Party alongside her husband, accused "dark forces" of smearing Adderley. She said in a video on YouTube: "We've been punished all along right from when we first started talking about Palestine. The dark forces behind everything that you see is quite extraordinary, I have to tell you."

[Mark Adderley and Nadia Sawalha on the Coffee Moaning podcast.]

The controversy surrounds allegations made on Nadia's husband Mark Adderley(Image: COFFEE MOANING/YouTube)

Addressing his suspension in a statement, Adderley said: "I genuinely thought the Green Party was supposed to be different, and was promising a beacon of hope in the dark, ugly world of British party politics. Instead, they have fallen at what feels like the first hurdle."

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