Denise Welch, 68, has been seen enjoying a Portugal holiday with her husband Lincoln Townley, wearing a black plunge swimsuit and joking around with him on camera. The outing comes weeks after she announced her departure from Loose Women after 25 years.
Holiday video and photos
In a video filmed by Lincoln, Denise paraded down a grass lawn in heeled cork sandals, the swimsuit and stylish shades, throwing a look over her shoulder. “Honestly! Didn't even know you were filming,” she laughed. “Go away!”
She also shared a montage of poolside photos showing her toned legs while enjoying a swing, dipping her toes into the water and balancing against a pole.
Friends and fans react
Her friends and fans filled the comments, with Coleen Nolan writing: “Stunning Den.” Claire Sweeney wrote: “You look amazing.” Saira Khan added: “You look amazing! Insanely amazing.”
Reason for Loose Women exit
Earlier this month, Denise explained her Loose Women departure in an Instagram video, saying she wanted to focus on her acting career, describing it as her “first love and the thing she’s best at”.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
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.”
Support from colleagues
Her husband Lincoln was among the first to comment on her departure, writing: “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.”
Katie Piper replied: “Nooooooo! Gutted to be honest! Going to really miss sharing the panel with you,” while 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.”
Denise made her debut as an official Loose Women panellist in 2005 alongside Kaye Adams, Coleen Nolan and others. She stepped back in 2013 before returning in 2018, sharing the screen with Ruth Langsford, Christine Lampard, Andrea McLean, Oti Mabuse, Gloria Hunniford and many others. Her exit follows that of co-star Nadia Sawalha, who has launched legal action against ITV over her treatment after condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza.
