A popular ITV show will air a 25-hour long episode next week in a major format shake-up for charity.

In an ITV first, Loose Women will host a ‘Talkathon’ on Thursday, December 5 on ITV1 from 12.30pm onwards.

The special episode marks 25 years of the talk show being on our screens and is part of ITV and STV’s Britain Get Talking campaign.

Covering taboo subjects around mental health and sharing personal stories, the panellists will tackle stigmas and raise awareness by doing what they do best – talking.

They will also be fundraising for mental health charities Mind, YoungMinds and Scottish Action for Mental Health, so they can continue to run their helplines and services.

On Monday’s show, host Charlene White announced the history-making 25-hour broadcast. 

‘It’s about encouraging people to have those really important conversations about the issues that matter to them,’ she said.

In an ITV first, Loose Women will host a ‘Talkathon’ on Thursday, December 5 on ITV1 from 12.30pm onwards

The special episode marks 25 years of the talk show being on our screens and but is also part of ITV and STV’s Britain Get Talking campaign

On Monday’s show, host Charlene White announced the history-making 25-hour broadcast

Coleen Nolan added: ‘I think it’s gonna have poignant moments, encouraging people, helping them speak about whatever they’re going through.

‘Equally, in those 25 hours, I think it’s gonna be so much fun as well. After 9pm, watershed, woah!’

Ahead of the Talkathon, Loose Women editor Sally Shelford said: ‘Half of UK adults find talking or spending time with friends or family lifts their mood but the statistics show that so many of us still find it difficult to open up if we’re struggling. 

‘We always say on the show that the viewers are the fifth Loose Woman and we aim to do as much as we can to help raise awareness of the issues that affect them most. 

‘Throughout the Talkathon, we’re also going to need their help too, keeping us company over the 25 hours, pledging their support for our charities and joining us as we continue important conversations about mental health… 

‘Plus, as well as special guests dropping by, viewers can expect our usual laughs and classic Loose Women topics too!’

‘It’s about encouraging people to have those really important conversations about the issues that matter to them,’ Charlene said

Coleen Nolan added: ‘I think it’s gonna have poignant moments, encouraging people, helping them speak about whatever they’re going through’

Covering taboo subjects around mental health and sharing personal stories, the panellists will tackle stigmas and raise awareness by doing what they do best – talking

Sarah Hunt, Head of Strategy & Communications, Social Purpose at ITV, said: ‘Since 2019, ITV and STV’s Britain Get Talking has been encouraging the nation to connect with each other to proactively support their mental wellbeing. 

‘Loose Women have been showing us how it’s done for 25 years! 

‘There’s nothing more fitting than bringing these two brands together to raise awareness of the power of talking for our mental wellbeing and support our Britain Get Talking charity helplines, which make sure those struggling with their mental health, or worried about a loved one, have somewhere to turn when they need it most.’

Loose Women Talkathon airs on Thursday, December 5 on ITV1 from 12.30pm onwards and will be available to stream on ITVX throughout the day.