The stars of ITV’s Loose Women were trapped in the studio today as anti-vax protests turned violent. Protesters stormed the building and smashed windows, leaving them unable to film or broadcast their show.
As the demonstrations outside persisted, the hosts of Loose Women proceeded to broadcast the program (Picture: ITV)
Anti-vax protestors fought with Met Police officers outside the Loose Women studios today, trapping the show’s presenters inside.
As the protests outside the White City Studios, where Loose Women is shot, gained pace, Charlene White, Nadia Sawalha, Jane Moore, and Penny Lancaster were busy presenting Monday’s edition of the ITV chat show.
When the program ended at 1:30 p.m., the presenters were unable to exit the premises because protestors attempted to invade the studios.
‘Huge thanks to Andy and the security guys over at Television Centre,’ Charlene wrote as an update to her Twitter followers. While we were live on air with @loosewomen, protestors tried to gain entry to the facility – and we’ve just now departed for safety reasons. Andy and his staff were fantastic, and I appreciate all they did.
‘And a big thank you to London’s @metpoliceuk for their quick reaction… it wasn’t an easy circumstance for them either.’
‘Not sure what protesters were trying to accomplish, but all they would have found on @loosewomen was myself, Jane, Nadia, and Penny chatting about the menopause,’ the ITV News anchor quipped.
‘Anyway, protesters or not, I still have to go through my workday.’ So, I’m going to @itvnews for the program at 18.30. Despite having no compassion for my previous situation, I know my Programme Editor @edsaunt was concerned that I wouldn’t make it in time. Ed, don’t worry, I’ll be there! ’
Andy and the security staff at Television Centre deserve a big thank you. While we were live on television with @loosewomen, protestors tried to gain entry to the facility, and we just just departed for safety reasons. Andy and his crew were fantastic, thank you very much TM34 xx
August 9, 2021 — Charlene White (@CharleneWhite)
‘V happy you and the crew are okay, I was eating at Bluebird White City when the crowd arrived, what a courageous lot they are strolling in their combat pants seeking for trouble,’ one fan said after being caught up in the demonstrations. In addition, Television Centre will be targeted.’
‘We had people trapped in TC1, and other folks attempting to get to TC1 to derig!’ stated another follower. According to what I’ve heard, the police and building security did an outstanding job! ’
Large numbers of protesters had to be fended off by Met Police personnel (photo: @Willow Bella).
Another voiced their displeasure with the demonstrations, saying, “How terrible!” It’s really inconvenient for you all to be held captive by some fools. As usual, I was monitoring today and everything seemed to be running well. I’m happy you’re all okay, and I appreciate your “rescuers.”
The protesters were reportedly enraged by coronavirus limitations and vaccination policies.
Further reading: Coronavirus
‘We are aware of a group of protesters who, having started out from Shepherds Bush Green at approximately 1pm, are now congregated outside a business premises in Wood Lane, White City,’ a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said earlier.
‘At this time, no arrests have been made, but police are on the scene and will continue to monitor the situation.’
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