Six Loose Women panellists joined forces for an al fresco picnic outside ITV’s London studios on Monday, as they celebrated the loosening of lockdown rules.
As Brits embraced the first day of the new rules – which allow six people to meet up socially outdoors, among other things – the stars marked the occasion by hosting in a group of more than three for the first time in more than a year.
Charlene White, Judi Love and Jane Moore presented the bulk of the show in the studio alongside Denise Welch, who joined remotely, before going outdoors to meet up with Linda Robson, Nadia Sawalha and Brenda Edwards.
Rule of six party: Six Loose Women panellists joined forces for an al fresco picnic outside ITV’s London studios on Monday, as they celebrated the loosening of lockdown rules
‘We thought we’d use this as an opportunity to hang out outside,’ said news presenter Charlene, as she pointed out the many treats on displays, including bubbly beverages, jerk chicken, jollof rice.
‘This is so lovely,’ continued Charlene, who is the newest recruit to the panel. ‘I don’t know a time i could’ve done this with you ladies. I feel quite emotional, I think.’
The as they sat together in the sunshine, the stars spoke about their experiences with picnics, leading Brenda to reveal that she’d never attended one before.
Birds Of A Feather star Linda responded: ‘I like a picnic – what a way to spend your first picnic, Brenda!’
Festive mood: Linda Robson got into the spirit of things, wearing a festive paper hat and a lei
Pour it up: Show moderator Charlene White sipped on a bubbly beverage as they celebrated
Linda then went on to discuss all of the social activities she’s looking forward to enjoying with her loved ones, thanks to the new, more relaxed rules.
She said: ‘I’m looking forward to seeing my family, my sisters especially. And I’m looking forward to seeing my grandchildren. I normally only see them when I’m looking after them.’
As the show came to a close, songstress Brenda led the group in singing the Peaches & Herb classic Reunited.
Britons are expected to flock to beaches over the next few days to enjoy this week’s mini-heatwave after the Government confirmed families from London and elsewhere can now travel to the seaside.
Indulging: Jane Moore also indulged as she spoke with her co-stars during the outdoor party
Bash: Charlene, Linda and Jane were joined by Nadia Sawalha, Brenda Edwards and Judi Love
People in England will be taking advantage of the relaxation of lockdown measures as outdoor gatherings and sport events resume, with highs of 66F (19C) expected in the South East on Monday and 75F (24C) on Tuesday.
There is now no legal limit on how far people can travel to enjoy day trips at the countryside or coastline, although overnight stays are still banned at hotels, self-catering accommodation and other people’s homes.
But there will be concerns among Ministers that the unseasonably warm weather will make social distancing very tricky on beaches after the likes of Brighton and Bournemouth were swamped with visitors last summer.
The Government’s ‘stay at home’ order ended on Monday morning, with messaging moving to ‘stay local’, but people are still being asked to continue to work from home where possible and overseas travel remains banned.
Lovely: ‘This is so lovely,’ said Charlene, who is the newest recruit to the panel. ‘I don’t know a time i could’ve done this with you ladies. I feel quite emotional, I think’
Show: Charlene White, Judi Love and Jane Moore presented the bulk of the show in the studio alongside Denise Welch, who joined remotely, before going outside
Government officials confirmed to the Evening Standard that it is now legal to travel from London to the seaside for a day on the beach, and there is no limit on the distance you can travel to see friends or family.
The newspaper also put two examples to the Government, which it confirmed were acceptable. These were driving to the New Forest in Hampshire to ride a trial, or taking a windsurfer or kayak to the coast for the day.
A Government spokesman said: ‘Whilst the ‘stay at home’ rule has ended, many restrictions remain in place. We ask everyone to act responsibly and cautiously and minimise travel where possible as these restrictions ease.’
Temperatures in parts of the UK are expected to be significantly warmer this week as families and friends are reunited and sporting activities are allowed to resume in England.
The warm weather coincides with the major easing of England’s coronavirus lockdown measures as families and friends are reunited under the outdoor ‘rule of six’ and sporting activities are allowed to resume in England.
