Denise Welch has confirmed she is leaving Loose Women after 25 years to pursue another venture. The 68-year-old, a staple on the ITV panel show, announced her departure in a statement on Instagram, citing her desire to focus on her acting career, which she described as her "first love and the thing she's best at".
Departure announced on Instagram
In her post, Welch 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."
She added: "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."
Fans and husband react
She continued: "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."
Fans have flocked to her comments to show support, including her husband, Lincoln Townley, according to The Mirror. He wrote: "Grab those you know what’s darling you’re an incredibly strong talented sensational woman, the best is yet to come!"
History on the show
Welch joined the show in 2005 alongside Kaye Adams and Coleen Nolan before taking a step back in 2013. She returned in 2018 and has since shared the show with Ruth Langsford, Christine Lampard, Andrea McLean, Oti Mabuse, Gloria Hunniford and many others.
