Loose Women's Brenda Edwards tells real truth about panellists behind the scenes

Brenda Edwards is now a regular Loose Women panellist but, as she tells new in an exclusive chat with OK!, it’s a far cry from where it all began. Rising to fame on The X Factor in 2005, Brenda, 56, looks back on the time with fond memories.

“The X Factor definitely put me on the map and gave me a platform,” she says. “I’d been auditioning for years and never got anywhere. I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember, really. Be it in a church, a theatre or on stage, I’ve always just wanted to sing, and I’ve been fortunate enough to make a career out of it.

“It might sound cheesy, but, without The X Factor, I would not be doing what I’m doing today.” Today, Brenda is part of ITV’s Loose Women panel alongside Coleen Nolan, Ruth Langsford and Christine Lampard.

“I love it, love it!” she says. “The women are all different personalities, which I think is what makes the show so unique, you know?

“There isn’t another show like it in the UK and I don’t think there ever will be, to be honest. They all come together in the fun times and in the sad times, they’re really supportive. I love being part of such an incredible group.”

Brenda doesn’t shy away from hard-hitting topics, from menopause battles and infidelity, to politics and racism. And while she may not always agree with co-stars’ opinions on-screen – and things can get fiery – they don’t take it personally.

“It’s a debate show and if we all had the same opinion, it would be very boring. A lot of people in this world are always arguing about religion, or politics, or money but, to me, everyone should just chill out a bit and realise people are all entitled to their own opinions, as long as no harm is done.”

As for their relationships off-screen, and despite tales of backstage feuds, Brenda says they’re all “good friends” and share a unique bond. So are there any raucous Loose Women nights out, we wonder? “Oh, Loose Women nights out are a bit treacherous. Dangerous!” Brenda laughs.

“A lot of us got together at the TV Baftas earlier this year, and that… was a long night! They know how to party. The thing is, we don’t go out a lot together so when we do, we make the most of it. It’s just a nice, big, happy family offstage.”

The Loose Women panellists have been a real source of support for Brenda over recent years, particularly following the tragic death of her son, Jamal Edwards, who passed away in 2022 at the age of just 31 from a cardiac arrest.

Quality time – especially with her 31-year-old daughter Tanisha – isn’t something Brenda takes lightly, as she tells us about the importance of life and how short it can be.

Her philosophical outlook stems from her past health experiences and her battle with cancer, she says. After being diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2015, Brenda underwent chemotherapy, a mastectomy and breast reconstruction, and is now cancer-free. And, although scary, her experience changed her for the better.

“It really makes you appreciate life,” she says. “It makes you want to grab each moment when you can in whatever way you can. You realise that life isn’t promised to you. I think I’ve also become a bit more confident since facing cancer, to talk about things that have happened to me and to be open,” she adds.

As a result, Brenda is now very vigilant about her body and health. “I’m always on top of things to do with my health now, since the diagnosis. If something doesn’t feel right, I’m on top of it. For many people, it can be nerve-wracking when something is wrong and you’re worried about whether there’s a problem, but I see it the other way around. What if it’s nothing? It’s better to have peace of mind.”

This outlook is why Brenda has teamed up with Specsavers and Glaucoma UK on a campaign encouraging those from African-Caribbean backgrounds to get their eyes checked more regularly, as new research shows that African-Caribbean communities are up to four times more likely to develop glaucoma, yet more likely to delay or avoid health appointments.

“I’ve got a history of women in my family having issues with their eyes, so I felt it would be good to use my platform to help raise awareness for people of the African and Caribbean communities,” Brenda says.

“Since the campaign video aired, I’ve had messages from people saying they’re going to get checked, so initiatives like this really do work.”

The campaign, dubbed The Aunties Army, features a video of Brenda calling on the UK’s ‘aunties’ to protect their loved ones from deteriorating eye health.

“I was raised by my aunties, both my mum’s friends and blood relatives. It’s about the strong women within the community.”

Brenda adds, “They are given respect and are people you go to for advice, so why not trust them with your health? That’s what we are trying to get across in the campaign.”

Brenda Edwards supports the Specsavers Aunties Army campaign raising awareness of glaucoma in Afro-Caribbean communities. To watch the video and help spread the message, visit specsavers.co.uk/eye-health/glaucoma

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