Denise Welch has confirmed she is leaving the ITV daytime show Loose Women after more than two decades as a panellist. The 68-year-old actress and broadcaster made the announcement in an Instagram video to her 450,000 followers, explaining that she wants to focus on her acting career, which she described as her "first love."
Denise's Loose Women Journey
Welch first appeared on Loose Women in 2000, a year after the show launched, and remained a regular until 2002. She returned for a second stint from 2005 to 2013, and then again from 2018 to 2026. Now, she is leaving for a third time to pursue acting opportunities that she says are coming her way.
In her video message, Welch said: "I've just come on to say something, because it's going to be in the papers: I am 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, a quarter of a century."
Why She's Leaving
Welch emphasized that acting has always been her primary passion. "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," she said. "And 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."
She also thanked her followers and co-stars, acknowledging that she is "very marmite" but cherishes all the comments she has received over the years. "I just wanted to say that in person, to thank all of the people who have shared stories with me. I've shared my life with you, the good, the bad, and the ugly," she added. "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."
Co-stars' Reactions
A Loose Women spokesperson told Metro: "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."
Her co-stars also shared their support on social media. Comedian Judi Love wrote: "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!!!" Katie Piper commented: "Nooooooo! Gutted to be honest! Going to really miss sharing the panel with you." Oti Mabuse thanked her for "being so welcoming," while Brenda Edwards said they will "certainly keep in touch." Christine Lampard called her a "Legend," and Carol Vorderman said it marks an "era closing."
Career Highlights and Personal Struggles
During her time on Loose Women, Welch was often at the center of memorable moments, including on-air clashes and outspoken political views. She also shared personal details about her life, including stories about her son, Matty Healy, and candidly discussed her mental health struggles. In 2025, she took a three-month break from the show due to worsening depression.
Welch began her acting career at age 12 and has appeared in major British TV series, including Coronation Street (as Natalie Barnes, 1997-2000), Waterloo Road (as Steph Haydock, 2006-2010 and 2026), and Hollyoaks (as Trish Minniver, 2021-2022). She also competed on Dancing On Ice and won the ninth series of Celebrity Big Brother. Most recently, she played Diane Vazey in the Russell T Davies drama Tip Toe on Channel 4, and Ziggy in the Channel 5 crime drama Benidorm Is Murder.
Her upcoming projects include an adaptation of Graham Norton's novel Forever Home and the sitcom Stepping Up. Loose Women airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX.
