'Loose Women nights out are dangerous!'

TV star Brenda Edwards tells new her cancer battle has given her a new outlook on life

- KENZI DEVINE

Brenda Edwards is now a regular Loose Women panellist but, as she tells new in our exclusive chat, 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 costars’ opinions onscreen – and things can get fiery – they don’t take it personally.