In a raw and emotional revelation, Loose Women star Denise Welch has laid bare the depths of her past struggles with alcohol, admitting she would secretly drink before appearing on television during her darkest periods.
The 65-year-old actress and television personality shared these startling confessions during an appearance on the How to Fail podcast with Elizabeth Day, detailing how her battle with depression led to concerning drinking patterns that remained hidden from public view.
The Morning Television Secret
"There were times when I would have a drink before going on television in the morning," Welch revealed, sending shockwaves through her fanbase. The ITV favourite didn't specify which programmes she appeared on while under the influence, but her honesty about this period of her life has been praised as courageous.
Welch explained that her drinking wasn't about enjoyment but rather a desperate attempt to self-medicate her depression. "I didn't drink for fun," she emphasised. "I drank to stop the pain. It was pure self-medication."
A Turning Point in Recovery
The watershed moment came when Welch recognised she was developing a physical dependency. "I knew I was becoming physically addicted because I would wake up in the morning and need a drink," she confessed. This realisation became the catalyst for her journey toward sobriety and better mental health management.
Now celebrating over a decade of sobriety, Welch has become an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness, using her platform to support others facing similar challenges. Her openness about combining therapy with medication has helped destigmatise treatment for mental health conditions.
Finding Light After Darkness
Despite the painful memories, Welch maintains a positive outlook on her journey. "I wouldn't change anything," she reflected. "All the things that have happened to me, good and bad, have made me who I am."
Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the hidden struggles many face, even while maintaining successful public careers. Welch's continued presence on Loose Women and other television programmes now represents her triumph over addiction rather than a backdrop for her struggles.
