Denise Welch has announced she is leaving ITV's Loose Women after nearly 25 years on the panel, prompting a wave of support from fans and celebrity colleagues.
The 68-year-old presenter confirmed her exit in a video message on Instagram, saying she wants to concentrate fully on her acting career, which she described as her "first love and the thing she’s best at."
Announcement and reasons
In the clip, Denise 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."
Message to fans
Denise thanked her followers, saying: "I just wanted to say that in person to thank all of the people who have shared my stories with me. I’ve shared my life with you - the good, the bad and the ugly. I’m very marmite but I cherish all the comments, good or bad, that I’ve had over the years."
She concluded: "I just hope you wish me well for this new exciting chapter in my life. I’ll miss everybody but I will remain friends with the whole gang because, despite what you might read, we are a happy band of campers. Lots of love, thanks for sticking with me."
Tributes from co-stars
Her husband, Lincoln Townley, led the tributes in the comments, writing: "Grab those you know what’s darling you’re an incredibly strong talented sensational woman, the best is yet to come!"
Former panel member 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."
Fellow panellist Katie Piper said she was "gutted," adding: "Going to really miss sharing the panel with you," while influencer GK Barry wrote: "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]."
Career highlights
Denise first became an official panellist on Loose Women in 2005 alongside figures including Kaye Adams and Coleen Nolan. She stepped down in 2013 before rejoining in 2018, appearing alongside stars such as Ruth Langsford, Christine Lampard, Andrea McLean, Oti Mabuse, and Gloria Hunniford.
Her television career began in the early 1980s, with a role as Polly Bell in Byker Grove in 1990. She later joined Coronation Street as Rovers Return landlady Natalie Barnes, leaving the soap in 2000. Denise went on to star in Down to Earth, Waterloo Road, Hollyoaks, Emmerdale, and EastEnders. She also won Celebrity Big Brother in 2012 and took part in Dancing on Ice.
