Welch

Denise Welch has announced that she is leaving Loose Women, sparking a flood of support from fans. The 68-year-old has been a staple of the ITV panel for decades, but confirmed that she would be stepping down in a video shared on Instagram earlier today.

Sharing the reason for her departure – which came days after Nadia Sawalha spoke about her own exit – she told followers that she wanted to focus on her acting career, describing it as her ‘first love and the thing she’s best at.”

In a video posted on Instagram she said: “I’m leaving Loose Women after the best part of 25 years, off and on. I did leave for about seven years and went back in 2018. This show has been part of mine, and my family’s life, for nearly a quarter of a century.

“I have the most wonderful, wonderful memories and it’s just that acting has always been my first love and, I think, the thing I’m best at.

“At the moment, I’m having the most wonderful opportunities coming my way and I’m grabbing them by the you-know-whats and running with it for this new chapter of my life.

“And so I just wanted to say that in person to thank all of the people who have shared my stories with me. I’ve shared my life with you – the good, the bad and the ugly. I’m very marmite but I cherish all the comments, good or bad, that I’ve had over the years.”

She added: “I just hope you wish me well for this new exciting chapter in my life. I’ll miss everybody but I will remain friends with the whole gang because, despite what you might read, we are a happy band of campers. Lots of love, thanks for sticking with me.”

Denise’s husband, Lincoln Townley, was among the first to share his support for her departure in the comments below. He proudly penned: “Grab those you know what’s darling you’re an incredibly strong talented sensational woman, the best is yet to come!”

Carol Vorderman commented: “Dens …… well that’s an era closing … you’ve been the beating heart of LW and I loved my 3 years with you there. You’re looking soooooooo well and happy and excited so here’s to your next chapter my lovely friend.”

“Nooooooo! Gutted to be honest! Going to really miss sharing the panel with you,” Katie Piper replied, as GK Barry added: “Denise I’m gonna be so sad not to be on the panel with you anymore you always brought so much joy to my day. Can’t wait to see you on our screens [sic].”

Denise made her debut as an official Loose Women panelist in 2005 alongside Kaye Adams, Coleen Nolan and a string of other notable faces. She took a step back from the series in 2013, before eventually returning in 2018.

In that time, she has shared the screen with Ruth Langsford, Christine Lampard, Andrea McLean, Oti Mabuse, Gloria Hunniford and many others.

She came to came in the early 80s before landing a coveted role in Byker Grove as Polly Bell in 1990. Shortly after, she made the move over to Weatherfield, playing Rovers Return landlady Natalie Barnes in Coronation Street.

Following her exit from the soap in 2000, she appeared in Down to Earth, Waterloo Road, Hollyoaks, Emmerdale and EastEnders. Aside from acting, she also won Celebrity Big Brother in 2012 and competed in Dancing on Ice.

Although Denise remained coy about her upcoming acting opportunities, an insider explained that she was taking ‘a massive leap of faith’.

Describing her decision as ‘the end of an era’, they told the Sun: “She is taking a massive leap of faith and going to focus solely on her acting which, really, has always been her first great love.

“Over the past 18 months she has also won herself a whole new fan base with Gen Z, and the LGBTQIA+ community especially.”

“This has seen her being offered high-fashion photoshoots, and given new social media opportunities,” they added. “Now is the time to pursue her dreams, although she will be devastated to wave goodbye to her Loose friends and colleagues. She will be sorely missed.”

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DENISE Welch shares unseen pics of son Matty Healy’s wedding as she parties with Coronation Street star and Charli XCX

1975 singer Matty, 37, and musician Gabbriette Bechtel, 28, tied the knot at Castillo del Lago in Los Angeles on Saturday July 18 2026.

The loved-up couple said ‘I do’ in front of a string of celebrity pals including Charli XCX, Nick Grimshaw and Matty’s The 1975 bandmates – as well as his iconic Loose Women panellist mother Denise.

Denise has since taken to Instagram to give fans a sneak peek of her son’s incredible day on Instagram – and the celebrations that took place looked out of this world.

The soap star was all smiles as she smiled at poolside with Corrie star Sally Dynevor, 63, who she met while on set of the ITV soap in the 90s.

She also posed for a selfie with celebrity stylist Ryan Kay and radio presenter Nick, 41.

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Denise Welch confirms date son Matty Healy will marry model fiancée

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Her husband Lincoln Townley, 53, who she married in 2013, looked dapper standing next to Denise, who was in a stunning black dress.

The proud mum had a huge smile on her face as she took a snap with her son Matty and her new daughter-in-law.

Denise captioned the post: “To see my eldest son marry the most beautiful, funny, crazy girl under the Hollywood sign was a night I’ll never forget.

“They are made for each other.

“I kept looking around and couldn’t believe so many of our friends and family were all together in Los Angeles celebrating this most magical, beautiful few days watching the love between Matthew and @gabbriette.

“We love our daughter in law and our new family @chayobechtel @gary.bechtel and @marsalsa_.

“I’ll need to do a million reels to capture the fun we all had.”

Many rushed to the comments section to share kind words of Matty and Gabbriette’s big day.

Ruth Langsford wrote: “Now that looked like a LOT of fun!! Your boy is MARRIED!!”

Andrea McClean added: “What wonderful photos Denz, what a time! What memories!”

Alan Carr simply added some clapping emojis.