Jackie Brambles has quit 'Loose Women'.

The former 'GMTV' presenter stunned viewers of the daytime show by announcing she intends to leave when her contract expires as she wants to spend more time with her two young children.

Jackie - who anchors the programme made up of a panel of four middle-aged women discussing their views on topical news stories - said: "I initially wanted to cut down on my workload on 'Loose Women' but the anchor role requires a full commitment, which I no longer felt able to make.

"Therefore, I've decided that I will be leaving the show in August when my current contract ends."

Jackie's announcement came just hours after breaking the news to her fellow panellists, who include Carol McGiffin, Coleen Nolan, Jane McDonald, Denise Welch, Lynda Bellingham, Lesley Garrett, Sherrie Hewson and Lisa Maxwell.

Meanwhile, Hollywood superstar Tom Hanks has revealed he is a huge fan of the ITV show and was thrilled when he got to meet some of them when they were all guests on 'Friday Night With Jonathan Ross'.

He said: "They're the type I was too shy to approach when I was younger."

The BBC One show will be aired this Friday (08.05.09).