The ITV talk show Loose Women turned unexpectedly dramatic on March 18, 2025, when co-host Coleen Nolan made a cheeky jab at her ex-husband and former EastEnders star Shane Richie while discussing the topic of parental love.
During the lively episode, which featured fellow hosts Charlene White, Gloria Hunniford, and Katie Piper, the conversation veered from current affairs to more personal anecdotes regarding motherhood. Charlene, a mother of two, expressed her unconditional affection for her son Alfie, who was born in 2017, stating that she loved him just as much as her daughter Florence, who was born two years later. “It never crossed my mind that I wouldn’t love Florence as much as my first Alfie,” she shared confidently.
However, Coleen soon took the opportunity to lighten the mood with a playful remark that would soon be a highlight of the episode. As Charlene showcased heartfelt images of her newborn son during her description, Coleen interjected with a smile, asking, “Did you name Alfie after Alfie Moon?” referring to Shane Richie’s beloved character from the long-running soap.
The audience responded with laughter as Coleen added, “And do we need to talk about that?” Charlene, quick on her feet, laughed off the question, proclaiming, “No!” This humorous exchange provided a moment of levity, even as it touched on Coleen and Shane's past. Alfie Moon, a character known for his charm, became a popular name choice for baby boys around the time of Shane’s debut on the show in 2002.
Coleen, who was married to Shane for nine years before their split in 1999, has often been candid about her relationship with him and their two sons, Jake, 31, and Shane Jr., 35. Despite their history, Coleen shared that she maintains a friendly relationship with both of her ex-husbands, including Ray Fensome, with whom she has a daughter, Ciara.
As the episode continued, the dynamic among the hosts shifted back to the broad topic of parental love. The relatable stories shared by the guests, reserved yet revealing, invite viewers into the everyday struggles of parenting. Coleen’s playful interruption, rooted in her past experiences, served as a reminder of how public figures manage their private lives within the glare of media scrutiny.
Loose Women, which airs on weekdays at 12:30 PM on ITV1, continues to provide an engaging platform for discussing personal narratives amid societal issues, often highlighting the humor woven through the very fabric of everyday life.
