Loose Women star Ruth Langsford has pulled out of a live TV appearance after falling ill with a "horrible tummy bug". The 65-year-old mum of one announced she wouldn't be able to appear on her regular Thursday QVC fashion show, which runs on the shopping channel from 7pm-9pm. The ITV star shared the news she would not be on the May 1 edition in an Instagram story in whch she also revealed her replacement would be Melissa Hardy.

Posting an image of the two of them larking around on set together larRuth wrote: "I've got a horrible tummy bug so unfortunately can't do my show @qvcuk tonight. Thankfully the wonderful @melissahardystyle is stepping in for me so I hope you can join her. Some lovely new pieces launching!" She added a sticker to the post beside Melissa with the word "hero" on it. Ruth has been a regular on the channel since she first launched her clothing range seven years ago.

"A lot of us might need to consider looking for work elsewhere soon as the company keeps considering cuts, and that leaves no exceptions," the source said.

"There have been whispers that even some of the celebrity faces might have to go too, including Ruth Langsford.

"They seem to be looking at an overhaul of the way that things are running, including potentially having a shake-up of the faces of the channel.

"Everything is up in the air for now, so only time will tell what actually happens to everyone's jobs. While the company seems to have hope in the changes, it is a worrying time for the employees."