Why Loose Women has been cancelled for the rest of the week

Fans of ITV's Loose Women will likely be disappointed to hear the news that the popular panel show has been cancelled for the rest of the week.

Viewers won't be able to tune in to the likes of Andrea McLean, Coleen Nolan, and Nadia Sawalha chatting about the issues of the day until next Monday, when it returns to screens.

So why has it been cancelled? Well it turns out, there's actually a pretty good reason.

Loose Women will be off air due to the fact that Cheltenham Festival is on for the next few days, starting today (Tuesday 12th March).

The event, which is an important fixture in the horse racing calendar, is on until Friday 15th March, and ITV are covering it on their channel.

Andrea McLean announced the news at the end of Monday's show, which was the last episode of the week. As the credits rolled, she said, "And that’s it from us for the rest off the week I’m afraid, we’re off because of the races."

However, the cancellation is of course only temporary, and viewers can look forward to their regular dose of Loose Women next week.

Cheltenham Festival will see attendees enjoy 28 races in total over the course of the week, with coverage on ITV beginning at 1pm every day.

And although the Queen is arguably the biggest horse racing fan in the royal family, another member of 'The Firm' may actually be the one heading to the festivities this week.

Last year, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, presented a trophy to the winner of the Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase on Ladies Day.

She's been seen regularly at the festival over the years, as has Princess Anne, who is also known to be a huge horse racing fan.

So there's every possibility that we may see both Camilla and the Queen's daughter at the races again this year- fingers crossed!