Denise Welch quits Loose Women after 25 years as she confirms return to acting
She's making a return to her "first love"Denise Welch has announced she has quit Loose Women after almost 25 years on and off the ITV panel show, bringing her long-running association with the programme to an end.
On Thursday, the actress confirmed the news in a video shared on Instagram, explaining that a new wave of acting opportunities had prompted her decision. Denise described acting as her “first love” as she looks towards a new chapter in her career.
She said: “I’m leaving Loose Women after best part of 25 years, off and on, I did leave for about seven years and went back in 2018. This show has been a part of me and my family’s life for nearly a quarter of a century.”
Denise Welch quits Loose Women
Denise’s announcement quickly prompted an emotional response from her Loose Women co-stars, with several familiar faces sharing their thoughts beneath her Instagram video.
Brenda Edwards wrote: “Gonna miss all the laughs babe, you gotta do what you gotta do and I know it would have not been an easy decision. But we will most certainly keep in touch love you and see you soon.”
Christine Lampard simply described Denise as a “Legend.”
Kaye Adams added: “Densy Squelch – you have broken my heart but I shall watch your Den- aissance with love and pride. Xx.”
Katie Piper wrote: “Nooooooo! Gutted to be honest! Going to really miss sharing the panel with you.”
GK Barry said: “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 screen.”
A Loose Women spokesperson also paid tribute to Denise, saying: “Denise has been such a brilliant part of the Loose Women family and we are going to miss her hugely on the show. We are sending her all of our love and best wishes for her next chapter.”
Former Loose Women star Nadia Sawalha wrote: “You are such a fantastic actress!! Fly high lovely!! X.”
Another former panellist, Andrea Mclean, added: “I’m excited for you Denise! New chapter.”
Why is Denise Welch leaving Loose Women?
Denise made clear that her decision is about pursuing acting rather than any fallout with her Loose Women colleagues.
She told her Instagram followers: “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, and at the moment I’m having the most wonderful opportunities coming my way, and I’m grabbing them by the you know what and running with it for this new chapter of my life.”
Her recent screen work has included Channel 4 drama Tip Toe and a return to Waterloo Road. Denise is also set to appear in the television adaptation of Graham Norton’s novel Forever Home.
During her time on Loose Women, Denise has spoken openly about her personal life and thanked viewers who had shared their own experiences with her. While acknowledging that audiences have had differing opinions about her over the years, she said she valued the responses she had received.
Denise Welch rules out Loose Women feud
Denise was also keen to dismiss any suggestion that behind-the-scenes problems had prompted her departure.
She said: “I’ll miss everybody but I will remain friends with the whole gang because… we are a happy band of campers. Anyway lots of love, thanks for sticking with me.”
Her exit comes as Loose Women remains on its summer break from the ITV schedule. The programme is due to return to ITV and ITVX in September, but Denise will not be among the show’s regular panellists when it comes back.
Loose Women airs weekdays from 1230pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
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