Benidorm star Crissy Rock makes bid for Denise Welch's Loose Women job after exit
Crissy is eyeing up a spot on the panelBenidorm star Crissy Rock has put herself forward for a full-time role on Loose Women, following Denise Welch’s departure from the ITV panel show after more than two decades.
The Benidorm actress, 67, has guested on the lunchtime programme several times over the years. Now she wants a seat of her own. Speaking to The Mirror, she said: “I would love to be a panellist, instead of just going on talking.”
When it was put to her that she could step into Denise’s chair, Crissy was quick to pounce. “Oh yeah, I’ll have to get in there!” she said.
Crissy Rock eyes a Loose Women panel spot
The timing is notable. Loose Women has lost two familiar faces this year. Denise stepped back after nearly 25 years, while Nadia Sawalha is also no longer a regular on the panel. That leaves space around the table for fresh voices.
Denise said she was stepping down because acting is her first love and the thing she does best. She wanted to make the most of new opportunities. Soap fans know her from Coronation Street, and she has also starred in Waterloo Road.
Crissy brings decades of stand-up and screen work. The Liverpool-born star won critical acclaim as Maggie in Ken Loach’s 1994 film Ladybird, Ladybird. She has also appeared in Peak Practice, Brookside and Dalziel and Pascoe. Stage credits include Cinderella, Snow White and Menopause the Musical.
Crissy Rock shuts down Coronation Street rumours
The actress also tackled casting gossip that has trailed her for years. After I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! in 2011, reports linked her with Weatherfield. She was tipped to play the sister of Jackie Dobbs, played by fellow Liverpudlian Margi Clarke.
It never happened. “I’ve never done Coronation Street, ever,” Crissy said. “There was rumours, but it never, ever happened. It never come about.”
She admitted the part would have been lovely, playing Tyrone’s auntie on the cobbles. Talk of a Benidorm revival gets a similar shrug. Crissy keeps hearing the sitcom might return, but says she is as in the dark as everyone else.
What next for Benidorm star Crissy Rock
Crissy played hotel manageress Janey Yorke across the first four series of the sitcom. Benidorm began in 2007 and ran for 10 series at the Solana. Sheridan Smith, Siobhan Finneran and Hannah Waddingham all checked in along the way.
The actress credits that role with cementing her showbiz status and putting her firmly back on the map. She was an actress long before the Costa Blanca comedy, but its cult following changed everything.
Crissy spoke ahead of a nationwide tour of the comedy Tits Up!. Loose Women continues on ITV, now airing on a seasonal basis across 30 weeks of the year.
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