Television personality Denise Welch has offered a remarkably honest glimpse into her family life, confessing that her most significant source of friction isn't with her children but with her own husband.
The Joy of Grandparenthood
The Loose Women panellist, aged 67, spoke warmly about the transformative effect her grandson, Theo, has had on her and husband Lincoln Townley. She described the little boy, who is the son of Lincoln's eldest son Lewis, as a child who has profoundly changed their lives.
During an appearance on the Loose Women: Just Between Us podcast, Welch emphasised that their time with Theo is always a choice and a pleasure, not an obligation. "We beg and plead to have him," she explained, contrasting her situation with friends who feel pressured into regular grandparent childcare duties.
Navigating Parenting Differences
While Denise, who is also mother to The 1975 frontman Matty Healy and actor Louis Healy from her previous marriage, stressed the family's fortunate and healthy dynamic, she admitted to occasional private disagreements. She told co-host Judi Love that there are moments when she and Lincoln have to "take a deep intake of breath" over certain parenting decisions made by Theo's parents.
However, she was quick to acknowledge that it is not their place to interfere, stating clearly: "It's their child, and it works for them."
The Real 'Problem' at Home
The core of Welch's revelation, however, centred on her husband's behaviour. "The person I have the problem with is my husband," she joked, detailing Lincoln's fiercely protective instincts around their grandson.
She illustrated her point with specific examples, revealing that Townley will snatch her phone from her hand if she uses it in front of Theo, and will physically push her aside to take over nappy-changing duties. "I go, 'You do know that I have two children — I've done this before,'" she laughed, characterising him as "the overprotective one."
Despite finding this dynamic "difficult" at times, Denise Welch framed her husband's actions as stemming from a place of deep love and devotion. The couple, who married in 2013 after meeting in the entertainment industry, have a well-documented history of supporting each other through challenges.
She concluded by reaffirming the joy at the heart of their family life, stating simply: "The proof is in the pudding. We have the most wonderful grandson."
