Jane McDonald is leaving ITV1's Loose Women after six years to concentrate on her music career, she is set to announce.

The 47-year-old star - who first found fame in fly-on-the-wall show The Cruise - will tell viewers about her departure during Friday afternoon's show.

But she is leaving the door open for a return to the programme in the future and says she will be back.

Jane has been a regular on the show, alongside figures such as Lynda Bellingham, Carol McGiffin and Denise Welch.

She will be touring the UK and Australia, as well as working on a DVD and album and said: "There just isn't enough time to do everything."

"I am going to be taking some time out from Loose Women purely because things are going to be a bit hectic over the next few months," she said.

"I have had an absolute ball over the last six years and am going to miss everyone so much. But don't worry, when it's calmed down a bit I'll be back."