Loose Women star opens up about ‘unbearable’ 20-year health battle that left her in agonising pain
A LOOSE Women star has opened up about an ‘unbearable’ 20-year health battle.
Comedian and presenter Judi Love, 44, joined the long-running ITV show in 2020.
Speaking to The Mirror, Judi discussed her struggles with endometriosis – having been first diagnosed over 20 years ago.
According to the NHS, Endometriosis occurs when cells similar to those in the lining of the womb (uterus) grow in other parts of the body.
Judi shared how it took five years to get her diagnosis – but the average time could be as long as nine years.
She told the publication: “For women, our pain is often not always taken seriously, so symptoms are just put down to having ‘bad periods’.
“At the time, it wasn’t spoken about much, so when I received my diagnosis I honestly didn’t really know what it was, but the effect on my life, my physical and mental health, was sometimes unbearable.”
Meanwhile, Judi encouraged more conversations about endometriosis and its impact.
She said: “Not having that pain recognised or acknowledged is really difficult.”
In December 2024, the comedian sailed across the Mediterranean for new show Judi Love‘s Culinary Cruise.
Airing on ITV, the series followed Judi as she travelled to five different destinations in luxury yacht Emerald Azzurra.
Every time she stepped onto land, the Loose Women presenter had to make local dishes for the other passengers.
Judi previously said: “I am so excited to be setting sail on this new adventure with ITV.
“Growing up within a Jamaican family, food was always at the heart of any function and occasion.
“So I’m truly excited to experience the culture, people and food of the beautiful Mediterranean.”
She added: “I’m looking forward to exploring all of the different destinations as well as food has such a way of telling a story for many, especially in the Mediterranean where it’s about sharing love, traditions and identity.”
Elsewhere, viewers may also recognise Judi from her Strictly Come Dancing stint in 2021.
Regular Loose Women panellists
Katie Piper – Former Strictly Come Dancing star, activist, model and author
Sunetra Sarker – Also a former Strictly Come Dancing star, and known for acting in Casualty
Kaye Adams – Scottish journalist and one of the original Loose Women
Christine Lampard – ITV presenter
Ruth Langsford – Presented Loose Women on and off since 1999
Jane Moore – Former columnist for The Sun
Coleen Nolan – Became known for her family girl band called The Nolans and went on to compete on Celeb Big Brother
Nadia Sawalha – Former EastEnders star and Celebrity MasterChef winner
Stacey Solomon – Known for her reality show Sort Your Life Out and winning series 10 of I’m a Celeb
Janet Street-Porter – A journalist and president of the Ramblers’ Association
Brenda Edwards – Came fourth on the X Factor and went on to become a pop star and act in hit musicals such as Hairspray
Charlene White – Lead presenter at ITV News London
Kelly Bryan – Former EastEnders star and was in a girl group called Eternal alongside her sisters. Currently part of the cast of Hollyoaks
Frankie Bridge – Participated in Strictly Come Dancing and came third place on I’m A Celeb in 2021
Judi Love – A stand up comedian and radio presenter, who has also made a variety of TV appearances in shows such as Strictly Come Dancing, Celebrity MasterChef, and Taskmaster
Linda Robson – Played iconic character Tracey Stubbs in Birds of a Feather
Denise Welch – A soap queen, she starred in Coronation Street, Waterloo Road and Hollyoaks. Also the mother of Matty Healy, the lead singer of pop rock group the 1975.
Partnered with Graziano di Prima, the pair reached week six of the competition.
However, they ultimately lost out to Adam Peaty and Katya Jones in the dance off.
The following year, Judi starred in series 13 of hit Channel 4 show Taskmaster.
She competed against Chris Ramsey, Sophie Duker, Bridget Christie and Ardal O’Hanlon, but placed last overall.