Loose Women star Andrea McLean collapsed yesterday, just minutes before she was due to appear live on the daytime ITV show, sending the show’s bosses into a panic…

And it seems that Andrea’s collapse was itself caused by a panic attack, which has come just days after she went public with the news that her second marriage is over.

However, in terms of the show, disaster was averted when bosses brought in Ruth Langsford, who earlier that morning, had been presenting This Morning along with her husband, Eamonn Holmes.

Of Andrea’s collapse, a show insider told the Sun, “Andrea has been feeling very stressed about everything that has happened recently and had a meltdown.”

When Ruth appeared on the Loose Women panel, she told viewers, “You may be wondering why I’m here and not Andrea.

“Andrea’s been taken unwell this morning. Nothing serious. She’s fine…

“So the girls kind of whipped me off This Morning and asked me to come and join them.”

And later, Ruth tweeted, “That was surreal… one minute I was presenting This Morning, the next I was with the Loose Ladies! Loved it X”

Last night, Andrea’s spokesman said, “Andrea was taken unwell after an eventful and stressful week and made the decision that she needed to go home to rest.

“She will be back at work next week and thanks everyone for their concern and well wishes.”

Get well soon Andrea!