Andrea McLean Opens Up About Loose Women Departure and the Power of 'Going Back'
Former Loose Women panellist Andrea McLean has penned a heartfelt essay exploring the concept of 'going back' to past experiences, six years after her emotional exit from the popular ITV daytime show. The 56-year-old presenter, who left the programme in 2020 after 13 years, now works as a certified life coach and offers a nuanced perspective on why revisiting previous chapters in life can be a constructive move.
A Candid Reflection on Career and Personal Priorities
In her open letter shared on Substack, McLean addresses the common adage 'never go back', arguing that it does not always hold true. She explains that her decision to depart Loose Women was influenced by a nervous breakdown in 2019, which forced her to reassess her work-life balance. 'What I felt is that this year, collectively, the world has had a breakdown,' she remarked at the time of her exit. 'It made me stop and think, 'What do I actually want? You get one life, are you living it the way that you want?''
Why Returning Can Foster Growth and Closure
McLean elaborates that 'going back' is not inherently negative, provided there has been personal development and a shift in perspective. She writes, 'Sometimes it gives you a chance to recapture a part of yourself that you aren’t ready to say goodbye to.' Additionally, she notes that revisiting past opportunities can help individuals let go of lingering doubts or unfulfilled dreams, allowing them to move forward with clarity.
The presenter, who now resides in Spain, also hints at a potential return to the Loose Women panel, which has recently undergone scheduling changes, now airing for 30 weeks annually. However, she cautions that this approach should exclude toxic situations, humorously adding, 'Nasty exes not included.'
Life After Loose Women: A New Chapter as a Life Coach
Since leaving the show, McLean has embarked on a new career path, training as a life coach and launching her business, This Girl Is On Fire, though it was dissolved in January of last year. Her upcoming book, Shameless: Finding Freedom and Resilience Through Failure, set for release in May, promises to delve into her personal journey, covering topics from financial struggles to her experiences in television.
McLean's insights challenge conventional wisdom, suggesting that with change and growth, returning to past roles can be a healthy way to envision alternative futures and achieve personal resolution.
