Denise Welch, the 67-year-old actress and Loose Women panellist, has released a hyper-pop Christmas single titled 'Slayyy Bells' in collaboration with Celebrations. The track, which she describes as 'Christmassy, chaotic, and camp', marks a departure from traditional festive songs. In the music video, Welch appears in red leather and oversized black sunglasses, a look she says was partly chosen to embarrass her children. 'Embarrassing your kids is one of life's great joys,' she told Metro.
The song includes references to her family's Christmas traditions, such as having the main meal on Christmas Eve. Welch explained that this tradition originated with her late mother, who started it for reasons unknown. 'We lost my mum 13 years ago, but we always had dinner and still do on Christmas Eve,' she said. 'It really works. Nobody is slaving over a hot stove and missing the Christmas Day fun.' Her ex-husband Tim Healy and current husband Lincoln prepare roast ham and peas for the family, with Welch's sister making an exception to her pescatarian diet for the occasion.
Welch, who is mother to The 1975 frontman Matty Healy, has found herself increasingly connected to the pop world. Despite rubbing shoulders with artists like Charli XCX, she joked that none have invited her into the studio yet. 'I'm sure that they realise they can't resist it anymore,' she said. 'Slayyy Bells' is part of what Welch calls her 'third act', following a period where she became known as 'queen of the huns' on social media. She recently interviewed celebrities as GQ's Man of the Year party correspondent, dressed in a fashion-forward leather outfit.
Welch, who has appeared in every British soap, also shared an anecdote about being recognised in Tallinn, Estonia, while on a cruise. 'I've got a lot of fans in some surprising places,' she said. The single is available now.
