Loose Women presenter Charlene White has spoken candidly about the death of her father in October 2025, revealing the profound effect it has had on her life and work. The 45-year-old mother of two described her father as 'amazing' but said he had been 'living with a dark cloud' over his head that he 'couldn't lift'. His passing has prompted her to reassess her priorities and approach to mental health.
White admitted that returning to work on Loose Women after her loss was more challenging than she anticipated. 'What I underestimated is how difficult it is to go on air when you're holding it together in front of hundreds of thousands of people,' she said. She praised ITV for their support, stating that they gave her time off when needed and backed her through difficult weeks.
The broadcaster, who made history in 2014 as the first Black woman to present ITV News at Ten, emphasised the importance of recognising when to step back. 'We are strong when we need to be, but we also have to recognise when we're not,' she explained. 'There have been times when I've had to step back because I couldn't be strong that week.'
White, who became a permanent anchor on Loose Women in 2021, also spoke about the show's supportive environment. 'We have a WhatsApp group, we chat constantly, we celebrate wins and support each other through losses. We are a family,' she said. She credited the bond between panel members as a source of strength.
Reflecting on her career, White highlighted the importance of diversity in broadcasting. 'I talk a lot about diversity because I believe, working in broadcasting and the media, what happens in front of the camera and behind the camera should reflect society,' she said. 'All views matter, all opinions matter. That's the only way the industry can survive.'
White, who lives with her long-term partner Andy Woodfield and their two children, Alfie, eight, and Florence, six, described her family as her 'grounding force'. She acknowledged the challenges of balancing work and family life, adding, 'I don't know how single parents do it. I take my hat off to them every single day.'
