Denise Welch has been flooded with supportive messages after her decision to leave Loose Women. The TV star announced the big career move with fans on Thursday evening, with many rushing to the comments to send their love and support.
Career move announced
The 68-year-old has appeared on the ITV panel show on and off for 25 years, but said she wanted to follow “the most wonderful opportunities” she was being offered in acting. Denise said in a post on Instagram: “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, and this show has been part of mine and my family’s life for well 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 that she is entering a “new chapter of my life”.
Messages of support
Denise added: “I just wanted… 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, and 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. Anyway, lots of love and thanks for sticking with me.”
The post was liked by over 22,000 people, including Coronation Street's Tina O'Brien (Sarah Platt), Emmerdale's Danny Miller (Aaron Dingle) and TV presenter Dermot O'Leary. Soap star Lisa Riley said: "You are one in a million grab it all by the you know what’s." Comedian Alan Carr wrote: "Good for you!! To the next chapter." Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas added: "Good luck" with red love heart emojis.
Acting career highlights
Fellow Loose Women panelist GK Barry said: "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." Carol Vorderman said: "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."
In her acting career, Denise has appeared in shows such as Waterloo Road, Coronation Street, Benidorm and Hollyoaks. She also appeared as a contestant on Dancing On Ice in 2011 and won Celebrity Big Brother in 2012.
