Denise Welch has confirmed her next acting role in a new Netflix comedy series, weeks after announcing her departure from Loose Women after 25 years.
New Netflix comedy 'Marbles'
Welch will appear in a six-part series called Marbles, created by Friday Night Dinner writer Robert Popper. The cast includes Timothy Spall, Alexandra Roach, Robert Webb, and Louise Brealey.
According to a synopsis, the show is a "brilliantly-observed, laugh-out-loud" comedy about living between two generations and "slowly losing your marbles".
Loose Women exit and acting career
Welch became a panellist on the ITV show in 2001. After a seven-year break, she returned in 2018 before recently deciding to leave after being offered a series of new acting opportunities.
In a video posted on Instagram earlier this month, 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, 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."
Reaction and upcoming projects
Sharing the news on Instagram, Welch said: "Thrilled about this one!! We start shooting a new comedy next month for @netflixuk by @itsrobertpopper with @arobertwebb @alexandraroach1 @mslouisebrealey. Big love to @bexelliffcam @immstgram @amyhubcast @dawbellpr."
Former Loose Women co-star Katie Piper commented: "Smashing it," while Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley replied: "WHAT a line up!!!" Presenter Kate Thornton added: "I cannot wait! Always so proud of you," and actress Jill Halfpenny said: "Fantastic news Denise."
Welch is best known for playing Natalie Barnes in Coronation Street from 1997 to 2000 and Trish Minniver in Hollyoaks from 2021 to 2022. She also had a recurring role as Alison Slater in EastEnders and appeared as Steph Haydock in the original Waterloo Road, reprising the role in the last series of the Greater Manchester-filmed show.
She recently wrapped filming a new six-part Channel 5 series called Forever Home, based on one of Graham Norton's best-selling novels, which will air later this year.
