Frankie Bridge's frosty reception for 'Loose Women' newcomer sparks online debate
Viewers of "Loose Women" have taken to social media to speculate about a perceived tension between panellist Frankie Bridge and new guest GK Barry. The debate arose after an apparent "backhanded compliment" from Barry towards Bridge sparked a frosty exchange on the show.
Thursday's episode saw Barry, aged 24, make history as the first panelist born in the same year the show began, 1999. This prompted host Kaye Adams to playfully point out that Bridge, at 35, was no longer the youngest member of the group. Throughout the programme, fellow panellists Faye and Denise Welch also made light-hearted comments about Bridge's age, with Bridge appearing visibly uncomfortable with the comparisons.
However, it was a later interaction with Barry that truly caught viewers' attention. While sharing her admiration for Bridge's former band, The Saturdays, Barry confessed, "I didn't get any GCSEs at school but I thought, that's okay, I'll be Frankie!" This prompted Bridge to retort, "That felt like a backhanded compliment!", before laughing and claiming she was "stupid".
Although Barry quickly dismissed any suggestion of a dig at her co-star, viewers were quick to notice the tension between the two women. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, fans expressed their belief that Bridge was openly displaying her dislike for Barry.
Comments on the platform included: "Frankie being a bit salty today, clearly doesn't like this GK Barry," and "Frankie definitely doesn't like her, I mean got famous through TikTok, how dare she lol." Others described the interaction as "so awkward" and questioned whether anyone else felt the same.
The conversation further intensified when Bridge jokingly expressed her annoyance at no longer being the "baby" of the show, leading to Barry's light-hearted response, "I know there is a feud now and I was so excited to meet Frankie but now there is a feud!" Bridge then sarcastically replied, "I donât like you yet, go away!"
While it's unclear whether the perceived tension between Bridge and Barry is genuine or merely a playful exchange for the cameras, viewers' observations highlight the enduring appeal of observing the dynamics between panellists on "Loose Women." Whether genuine or staged, the episode's focus on the age gap between Bridge and Barry provided a compelling talking point for viewers and has certainly ignited online discussion.
"Loose Women" continues weekdays at 12.30pm on ITV.
