The secret daytime TV rules you never knew existed – as Andrea McLean breaks ‘shoulder ban’ on last Loose Women

DAYTIME TV is often full of glamorous-looking presenters with the perfect blow dry, red-carpet ready make-up and clad in the latest fashion.

But it isn’t always as flawless as it looks to fit the ‘rules’ of the screen, with teams behind the scenes working to comply with secret regulations.

While we already know there’s no swearing before the water shed – there are plenty more TV rules that tell presenters how to dress and what to wear.

Andrea McLean looked polished on Wednesday as she appeared on Loose Women for the final time – daring to bare her shoulders.

The “feisty individual” broke important telly commands in her festive velvet dress, showing her shoulders despite them being “banned” for daytime viewing.

But regulations don’t stop there. Here’s the details of the secret fashion rulebook that you didn’t know your favourite hosts had to abide by.

No shoulders allowed

Loose Women‘s Andrea looked nothing short of glamorous in her elegant maroon off-the-shoulder dress this week.

As the all-female group discussed the phrase “mutton dressed as lamb”, Andrea revealed she had broken the rules by having her shoulders on show.

Telling fans of the show she didn’t care what people thought of her outfit, the 51-year-old said: “Literally got my shoulders out, even though I’m not technically allowed because it’s day time TV.”

Co-star Janet Street-Porter joked: “The Andrea sat here now is a feisty individual.”

No designer labels

Telly hosts are encouraged to choose accesable and affordable fashion so that viewers at home can easily replicate their looks.

Instead of forking out for the latest designer looks, presenters pick outfits from high street shops.

Amanda Holden explained the rules in 2017, telling OK! that female presenters on This Morning wear brands like Marks & Spencer or Zara.

She explained: “Everything I wear on This Morning – and Holly [Willoughby] wears – is chosen because we know everyone can go and buy it.

“Everything’s from Zara, everything’s from Topshop or LK Bennett or Marks & Spencer. [It] makes fashion really accessible to people, I think.”

No checks or stripes

Being under the studio lights means presenters have to think carefully over their choices of fabric and patterns.

Teams of experts help daytime favourites like Holly Willoughby look their best on camera – including stylist Angie Smith.

Angie’s list of requirements include the pattern or design on the item of clothing, as well as where it’s been bought from.

She told WhoWhatWear: “Stripes and checks can strobe on TV, so they’re a bit no, sadly.”

Be prepared

Even if your outfits fits the rules, it may not be suitable for the moment.

Presenters always have to plan ahead to expect the unexpected – such as having to deliver sad news live to the nation.

Should a high-profile death occur suddenly, daytime hosts will often add a smart jacket to somber down a previously jolly outfit.

Sam Smith, presenter of BBC’s Inside Out South West, wrote a “smart jacket” was vital in an email to her fellow hosts in 2017, adding: “You need at least one black for sombre stories.”

Keep hair short

Stacey Solomon is one female presenter who prefers to keep her beautiful thick hair flowing way down her back, but many have gone for the chop.

It’s not entirely a decision based on fashion – it’s also easier to maintain and keep neat and tidy live on air.

Sam Smith continued in her email: “Shoulder length and above is easier to cope with. I wore mine [long] for years. It was a nightmare and required a ridiculous level of attention.”

For those keeping their long tresses, it’s often advised to put their hair up to keep it out of the way.

Cover up

There are different rules for different shows – with Loose Women naturally more relaxed that the morning news – it’s expected presenters dress appropriately.

This means that viewers won’t see too much flesh, including bare legs and bosoms, on their daytime screens.

Sam Smith explained to her TV staff: “Skirts should reach to somewhere around your knees. Controversial, maybe – but I honestly believe anywhere else is distracting.”