Loose Women legend Denise Welch has quit the show after 25 years, just days after co-star Nadia Sawalha also left the ITV daytime programme. The announcement has sparked a bitter row, with Nadia's sister slamming Kaye Adams as a 'hypocrite' for paying tribute to Denise while staying silent on Nadia's exit.
Denise Welch's bombshell exit
The former Coronation Street star, 68, revealed her departure in a video shared on Instagram this week, saying she wants to focus on her acting career, which she described as her 'first love and the thing she's best at'. She 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."
She added: "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. 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."
Row erupts over 'heartbroken hypocrite'
After Denise's announcement, Loose Women anchor Kaye Adams was one of the first to pay tribute, posting: "Densy Squelch you have 'broken my heart but I shall watch you Den with love and pride." However, fans pointed out she kept quiet when her close pal Nadia left the show.
Nadia's older sister, Dina, fumed in response: "So your Instagram does work! After all of Nadia's support for you during your bullying allegations - you couldn't even LIKE her Daily Mail apology post, which is about as controversial as it gets. Wow, wow, wow!" Someone else said: "The silence from her so-called friend is disappointing," to which Dina replied: "More than disappointing!"
Nadia Sawalha's explosive departure
Nadia Sawalha last appeared on Loose Women in April and this week revealed she had threatened legal action, claiming ITV bullied her out of her job. Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, she said she fears she is being targeted for speaking out for Palestinian rights and was worried that police officers could come knocking on her door. Nadia told us: "I accept that there is a huge risk I will never work in television again."
She said she was told of a 20-page dossier of allegations made against her and that ITV told her they did not have the staff to review it. She said: "I haven't been allowed to answer one single allegation because I don't know what they are. I was in a state of shock and so upset. I begged them not to do this to me. I know I am missed on that show. I have worked on Loose Women on and off for 27 years. I know my worth. I have never had to see a boss."
Earlier this week it emerged Nadia's lawyers wrote to ITV claiming: "Nadia was treated less favourably than other ITV presenters who faced significant public complaints." The European Legal Support Centre (ELSC), representing Nadia, refused to comment to the Mirror about which ITV stars they were referring to or if they have been named in the letter. But they said the issue raised "serious concerns about equality in the workplace and the treatment of those who speak out for Palestinian rights".
Co-stars react to Denise's exit
Carol Vorderman commented: "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." Katie Piper replied: "Nooooooo! Gutted to be honest! Going to really miss sharing the panel with you," as GK Barry added: "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 [sic]."
Judi Love posted: "I'm going to miss you but I'm beyond excited to see your new chapter because baby girl it's here and we are loving it." Denise's new daughter-in-law, Gabriette, responded with a heart. Colleagues have offered Nadia support, but she claims many are too scared to do so publicly. The Mirror has contacted Kaye's reps for comment.
