Beloved Loose Women panelist Janet Street-Porter has revealed she is facing yet another major medical procedure, and fans are rallying around her after she shared her latest health update. At 78 years old, the sharp-tongued journalist and TV personality has long been known for her resilience, wit, and no-nonsense attitude — but even she admits her recent health struggles have tested her strength in new ways.
After recently undergoing hip replacement surgery, Janet has now confirmed that she is preparing for a second knee replacement. The announcement came during a candid interview with Metro, where she didn’t hold back about the physical and emotional toll of aging — or the frustrations she’s felt along the way.
“I’ve got a lot to say about how pensioners get talked about,” she said, pointing out how society often downplays the real challenges that come with growing older.
Janet, who first joined Loose Women in 2011 and quickly became a fan favorite, had previously taken time off from the ITV talk show to recover from her hip operation. At the time, she admitted she was deeply anxious about the surgery, saying:
“I’m having my hip replacement operation at last. And I can’t think about anything else. As I’m sitting here, I’m shaking and my hands are freezing cold.”
Although she “sailed through” that operation and felt mentally much stronger afterward, her health challenges are far from over. She’s already had one knee replaced — and now, another is scheduled for surgery.
“In my 20s and 30s, I was incredibly fit. I over-exercised. I pushed myself hard, and I didn’t think twice about it,” she confessed. “The result has been that my joints have simply worn out.”
Her openness about aging has struck a chord with many. Janet criticized the way society encourages older people to obsess over physical metrics.
“Saying to people of my generation, ‘Listen, if you can walk and get a newspaper, that’s good enough.’ For f***’* sake, stop counting steps.”
The Toll on Her Mental Health
The physical strain hasn’t been the only hurdle. During a heartfelt segment on Loose Women, Janet admitted the lead-up to her hip surgery left her feeling emotionally depleted. She described herself as a “mega misery-wad” and said the pain and anxiety surrounding the procedure left her feeling isolated and low.
“It was really depressing me,” she shared. “I lost weight through the stress of it, I wasn’t eating much at all. My usual ‘misery face’ got even worse.”
After the operation, she told her co-hosts she felt “mentally much better” and emphasized the importance of following through with physical therapy, despite the pain and discomfort.
“Sleeping is not that easy, but mentally I’ve come out better,” she said. “Now it’s up to me to really try to stick to physio and do all these exercises.”
But Janet, known for her fiercely independent streak, hasn’t been one to sit back passively. After just five days post-op, she took the bold step of coming off heavy-duty painkillers to regain a sense of control over her recovery.
“Otherwise, you’re just cocooned — emotionally and physically,” she explained.
She even managed a trip to her coastal home in Whitstable, where she continued her recovery with professional physiotherapy. “I’m putting myself in the hands of professionals,” she admitted, “but you know me, I’m stubborn. But I’ve got to do the exercises.”
Fans React With Love and Support
The news of Janet’s upcoming knee surgery has prompted an outpouring of love from fans and fellow Loose Women viewers. Many have taken to social media to share their own stories of joint surgeries and aging, thanking Janet for being such a candid and powerful voice on the topic.
“She’s so real, and that’s what we love about her,” one viewer wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“Janet, thank you for being honest about something so many are afraid to talk about,” another added. “You’ve helped more people than you know.”
Others praised her courage for continuing to work through pain and emotional strain, and for openly addressing the impact of physical health on mental well-being — especially at a time when older voices are often overlooked.
Looking Ahead
While it’s clear the next few months will bring more challenges for Janet Street-Porter, she’s never been one to back down from a fight. Her transparency is refreshing in an industry that often glosses over the realities of aging and chronic pain.
With her trademark wit and bravery, Janet is facing her next operation head-on — and continuing to inspire fans along the way.
“I may not be bionic,” she joked, “but I’m still standing — and still talking.”
And for now, that’s more than enough.