Denise Welch has spoken candidly about the lifelong impact of maths anxiety and why it is 'never too late' to rebuild confidence with numbers, as she enters what fans call her career 'renaissance'. The Loose Women star, 68, reflected on a period of personal and professional renewal during a Big Number Natter conversation for the charity National Numeracy ahead of National Numeracy Day.
Welch, who has recently made headlines for red-carpet appearances and renewed energy, said the deeper change has been about mindset. 'I think it’s never too late to do anything,' she said. 'I’m always talking about flipping the narrative in your head. Instead of “Oh my God, I’m nearly 70,” it’s “I’m going to be 70 and that’s fantastic.”' She said the same outlook applies to numbers, an area where she has experienced fear and avoidance for decades.
Welch revealed that her maths anxiety began in childhood and affected her throughout adulthood, from school to finances. 'Anything to do with finances would literally make me either physically or metaphorically go, “la, la, la, la, la,”' she admitted. She described avoiding cash machines and relying heavily on her husband, Lincoln Townley, for financial management. 'It’s completely held me back as to where I should have been financially,' she said.
Through her work with National Numeracy, Welch is learning that improving number confidence is about practical skills, not becoming a 'maths wizard'. She drew parallels with her professional confidence, saying both come from refusing to believe growth has an age limit. Sam Sims, CEO of National Numeracy, praised Welch's honesty, saying her story challenges shame around maths anxiety. He noted that around half of working-age adults in the UK have numeracy levels expected of primary school children.
Welch, a grandmother, is passionate about helping younger generations avoid fear around maths. She also urged adults not to feel embarrassed: 'Nobody is judging you. National Numeracy exists to help people like us, not to test us or make us feel stupid.'
