Coleen Nolan has always been the warm, relatable voice on Loose Women, the one who could make audiences laugh through tears and feel seen in their everyday struggles. But in a raw and emotional interview aired on January 19, 2026, the 60-year-old TV presenter and singer revealed a side of her life few had imagined: she is facing severe financial hardship and can no longer afford even basic household bills. “I can’t even afford the basic bills anymore,” she confessed, her voice cracking as tears rolled down her cheeks. “I’m selling things off bit by bit just to keep going.”

The admission came during a segment discussing the rising cost of living in the UK, a topic Loose Women has covered extensively. What began as a general conversation quickly turned personal when Coleen was asked how she was coping with the ongoing economic pressures. She paused, looked down, and then spoke the words that stunned viewers across the nation: “I’m not coping. I’m really not. I’m having to sell off bits of my home, cut back on everything, shop only when things are discounted. It’s humiliating, but it’s the reality.”

Coleen explained that the situation had worsened dramatically in the past 18 months. Loose Women, the ITV daytime show she has co-hosted since 2000 (with breaks), has faced repeated budget cuts as part of broader cost-saving measures across the network. Reduced episode orders, fewer guest bookings, and lower appearance fees have hit many of the panellists hard. For Coleen, who relies on the programme as her primary income alongside occasional theatre work and personal appearances, the financial impact has been devastating. “We used to get decent money for the show,” she said. “Now it’s nowhere near enough to live on, especially with everything going up—energy, food, council tax. I’ve got no choice but to sell things I never thought I’d part with.”

Among the items already sold or listed are pieces of furniture, jewellery, and even signed memorabilia from her time with The Nolans and Loose Women. Coleen revealed she has also put her family home on the market, a decision she described as “heartbreaking.” “This house is full of memories—my kids growing up, Christmases, everything. But I can’t keep it if I can’t pay the bills. I’m not too proud to say I’ve been to discount supermarkets, buying reduced items at the end of the day. I never thought I’d be in this position.”

The confession struck a chord with viewers who have watched Coleen through decades of public life. From her early days as the youngest member of The Nolans in the late 1970s to her candid discussions about divorce, cancer battles, and family life on Loose Women, she has always been open about her highs and lows. Yet this latest revelation felt different—more desperate, more vulnerable. Social media flooded with messages of support, many from people sharing their own stories of financial strain. “If Coleen Nolan can’t afford bills, what hope do the rest of us have?” became a recurring sentiment.

ITV has faced mounting criticism over its treatment of long-serving presenters. Loose Women’s budget has been slashed repeatedly in recent years as the channel shifts resources toward streaming, drama, and younger-skewing content. Several panellists have quietly reduced their appearances or left altogether, citing unsustainable pay cuts. Coleen has been one of the few to speak publicly about the toll these changes have taken. “We’re not millionaires,” she said in the interview. “Most of us live normal lives. When the work dries up or the money halves, it hits hard and fast.”

Friends close to Coleen say the situation has left her feeling isolated and anxious. She has taken on extra work—pantomime runs, guest hosting slots, even small brand partnerships—but the income has not kept pace with rising costs. The decision to sell her home, which she shares with her youngest son Shane Jr., was made after months of sleepless nights. “I kept thinking, maybe next month it’ll get better,” she admitted. “But it hasn’t. So I’m doing what I have to do to protect my family.”

The interview ended on a note of quiet defiance. Despite the tears, Coleen insisted she is not giving up. “I’m still here, still working, still fighting. I’ve been through worse and come out the other side. I’ll do it again.” She thanked viewers for their support and promised to keep being honest, even when it hurts. “If talking about this helps even one person feel less alone, then it’s worth it.”

The response from fans has been overwhelming. Messages of solidarity poured in from fellow celebrities, former Loose Women co-stars, and everyday viewers who shared their own stories of financial struggle. Many urged ITV to reconsider its treatment of long-serving talent, arguing that loyalty and experience should be rewarded rather than eroded. “Coleen has given decades to that show,” one viral comment read. “She deserves better than this.”

For Coleen Nolan, the road ahead remains uncertain. Selling her home will provide temporary relief, but she knows the underlying issues—declining television budgets, rising living costs, and an industry shifting away from traditional daytime formats—will not disappear overnight. Yet she remains determined to keep working, keep speaking, and keep showing up for the people who have supported her through every chapter of her life.

In a world that often expects celebrities to project perfection, Coleen’s tearful honesty felt revolutionary. She reminded viewers that struggle doesn’t discriminate—not even on the Loose Women panel. And in sharing her pain, she gave voice to thousands who are quietly facing the same fears. As she navigates this difficult season, one thing is clear: Coleen Nolan may be hurting, but she is far from defeated. She is still here, still fighting, still the woman millions have trusted to tell it like it is—even when the truth is heartbreaking.