LOOSE MEN RETURNS FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK 2022
Loose Women will again rebrand as ‘Loose Men’ for the day to mark Mental Health Awareness Week.
The show’s fourth all-male panel show - which airs on Thursday May 12th - will highlight the importance of men speaking out about their mental health. Mental Health Awareness Week takes place between May 9-15th, 2022.
Vernon Kay returns as host of the ITV special and will be joined by returning Loose Men, former World Cup winning rugby player Mike Tindall MBE and radio presenter Roman Kemp. Strictly Come Dancing professional Johannes Radebe will make his debut on Loose Men as they talk about the issues that really matter to men today.
With the exclusive Loose Men Male Mental Health survey revealing money worries are the thing most affecting men's mental health right now, the panel will look at if society is still putting too much pressure on men to be providers. Other talking points include tackling subjects such as loneliness, the male biological clock and body image.
In 2020, Loose Women handed the panel over to an all-male line up for the first time in the programme’s then 21-year history. The show is in support of Loose Women’s Stand By Your Men campaign.
Vernon Kay said, “I’m really excited to be back for another ‘Loose Men’ special. Men’s mental health is so important to me. I learnt things from the panel members last time that I’d never known before. The reaction we all had last time was also fantastic and highlighted how there’s a real need for more discussion around these topics which we look forward to bringing viewers.”
Roman Kemp said, “I’m really looking forward to returning to the 'Loose Men' panel this year and proud to be amongst this brilliant line up of men. To help shine a light on the struggles men face with mental health, open up the conversation and encourage men to talk is really important to me. A simple question to a mate can go a long way. It was great to be part of the panel in 2020 for the first ever 'Loose Men' - the response we received from viewers was amazing.”
Mike Tindall MBE revealed, "It's great to be back on the 'Loose Men' panel again, talking about men's mental health, especially with my good mate Vernon Kay. I received lots of messages from people who watched the show the last time the men headed up the panel, saying that us talking so openly about our experiences helped them. I’m really glad if we can do even a little bit in raising awareness and normalising the subject of men's mental health each time we do this.”
Johannes Radebe said, “I think 'Loose Men' is a brilliant concept. I'm thrilled we have a platform to sit as men and talk about issues affecting our wellbeing and livelihoods. I haven't worked with these gentlemen before, but I'm aware of their brilliant work and I'm delighted to finally meet them. We will continue to bring awareness to mental health as it still plagues our society.”
Loose Women’s Editor Sally Shelford said: “It’s never been more important to encourage men to talk openly and honestly about their mental health and we’re proud that our panel of incredible Loose Men never shy away from the big issues.
“With the findings of our exclusive Loose Men mental health survey showing that almost a quarter of men say their mental health has declined in the last year and 30 per cent say they’re not comfortable asking for help if their mental health is suffering, there is an urgent need to kickstart the male mental health conversation.
“Vernon, Mike, Roman and Johannes will be doing just that, opening up on subjects close to their hearts - from mental health to family, fatherhood, love and relationships. Expect some very honest discussions, fiery debates - and of course lots of laughs along the way, too.”