Loose Men will return to ITV1 on Friday, November 18 at 12.30pm, to mark International Men’s Day this weekend. The all-male panel show is back for a special episode to tackle the taboos around men’s health and discuss the topics that really matter to them today.
Vernon Kay returns to host Loose Men for the third time and will be joined by actor Larry Lamb, chart-topper Olly Murs and TV and sports personality Ade Adepitan MBE, to make up the star-studded panel. Having previously worked to smash the stigma around men’s mental health, the panel will once again share their own experiences and encourage others to do the same, as they answer the all-important questions around men’s health, love and loneliness.
Singer and TV star Jake Quickenden also joins the show to discuss his health anxiety after losing his father and brother to cancer. To highlight the importance of regular check-ups, Jake will receive a testicular examination from Good Morning Britain and Lorraine’s doctor, Dr Amir Khan, in front of a studio audience. Dr Amir will share guidance on any warning-signs men should be looking out for themselves and how to overcome the apprehensions they often feel ahead of visiting a GP too.
Ahead of the show, first-time Loose Men panellist Ade said: “It’s an honour to be part of this panel and have a platform to talk about the issues that affect us all as men. If we can help at least one guy off the back of this, then it’s worth it. This is also my first time on the panel and I have no doubt that even I will learn a thing or two from the gentlemen sitting beside me on the show.”
Olly added: "I'm looking forward to sitting on the panel for Loose Men, to celebrate International Men’s Day. I’ve always been a pretty open book, so hopefully it will encourage more men to talk and share their thoughts and feelings on lots of issues!”
Larry said: “I’ve enjoyed every moment of being a guest on Loose Women over the years and I think a show like Loose Men is very, very, very much needed. Men don’t talk enough and frankly, men need to and see other men talking. It’s a huge necessity to get guys talking and for other men to understand that if they’ve got feelings that they feel odd about, there’s a way to climb out of that.”
Vernon said: “It’s always exciting to host Loose Men and in general, it’s really important to talk about both men’s physical and mental health. This particular show will highlight how important it is for men to not succumb to the stigma of talking about body issues - let’s get rid of all that! I’ll be joined by a new panel this time and I always find it interesting to hear about the different things people have been through and their thoughts too.”
Prior to his examination on the show, Jake said: “It's important to talk and it’s important to check. It shows strength talking. I think guys tend to hide behind their pride and think that everything will be alright but I’m looking forward to the aftermath of hopefully helping someone. No amount of embarrassment can stop me from wanting to help someone.”
Loose Women editor Sally Shelford said: “We’re so proud to be continuing the Loose Men mission to tackle taboos and kickstart conversations around the big issues affecting men today. From loneliness to health, and changing attitudes to love and relationships, as ever no topics are off limits.
"This episode we will be having some of our most important discussions yet around men’s health with Vernon, Ade, Olly and Larry opening up about their own experiences to encourage men to speak up sooner about their own health anxieties.”
Watch ‘Loose Men’ on Friday, November 18 at 12:30pm on ITV1 and ITV Hub
If you’d like more information or advice about mental health and the support available, go to https://www.itv.com/loosewomen/articles/helplines-mental-health
