Television personality and actress Nadia Sawalha has made a surprising revelation about her relationship with driving, declaring a self-imposed lifetime ban from getting behind the wheel. The 61-year-old Loose Women star opened up about her decision during Friday's episode of the popular ITV daytime programme, sharing anecdotes from her tumultuous history with driving tests.
A Chaotic Journey to a Licence
Nadia Sawalha's driving story began two decades ago when she participated in Celebrity Driving School for Red Nose Day in 2003. Despite the charitable cause, her attempt to pass the test on the show ended in failure, setting the tone for what she describes as a problematic relationship with driving.
Although she eventually obtained her driving licence after passing a test during the second series of Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre - a programme she actually presented - Sawalha explained that this achievement came with significant psychological effort. 'I was deeply hypnotised to be able to pass my final test,' she confessed to fellow panellists Christine Lampard, Myleene Klass, and Jane Moore.
The Moment That Cemented Her Decision
One particularly memorable test experience seems to have contributed significantly to her current stance. Nadia recounted being asked to 'turn the car around in the middle of the road' during an assessment. 'I did it, but I ended up facing the same way as I'd started,' she admitted, highlighting the spatial confusion that plagues her driving attempts.
The situation was compounded by the presence of television cameras filming for Mirror, Signal, Manoeuvre, adding public scrutiny to her struggle. The awkwardness peaked when she returned home to find her parents waiting with champagne on ice to celebrate - only to inform them she had failed that particular test.
Why She Chose a Permanent Ban
Despite holding a valid driving licence, Sawalha has consciously chosen to abstain from driving entirely. She described imposing what she called a 'court case on myself' because 'I know I am a terrible driver.' When Christine Lampard pressed for her reasoning, Nadia revealed: 'Well, I never felt safe after I passed my test. My brain just goes all over the place.'
This profound lack of confidence and self-awareness about her driving abilities led to the dramatic but practical decision to permanently remove herself from the driver's seat, prioritising road safety over convenience.
Loose Women's Lighter Moments
The conversation about driving bans wasn't the only notable exchange on Loose Women recently. Earlier in the week, co-star Coleen Nolan found herself playfully chastised by fellow panellist Brenda Edwards during a discussion about household organisation and bins.
When Brenda explained her meticulous system for separating paper and food waste in different kitchen bins, Coleen inquired whether she discussed such matters with her new partner. After Brenda confirmed her partner appreciated her organisational skills, Coleen quipped: 'Is that what you have in common? Does he collect bins?'
Brenda's immediate response - 'Coleen, that's bang out of order' - was delivered with laughter, showcasing the programme's characteristic blend of candid conversation and humorous camaraderie among the panellists.
Loose Women continues to air on ITV1 and the ITVX streaming platform, featuring these kinds of personal revelations and lighthearted exchanges between its regular contributors.
