Denise Welch joined the show as a panellist in 2005
Denise Welch has confirmed she is leaving the show after more than two decades.
The 68-year-old has been a staple on the ITV panel show Loose Women for 25 years, but said in a statement earlier today she would be stepping down.
On Instagram, she told her followers the reason for her departure comes as she wants to focus on her acting career, describing it as her “first love and the thing she’s best at”.
“I’m leaving Loose Women after the best part of 25 years, off and on,” she said. “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. 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.
“And so 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 added: “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.”
Fans have since flocked to her comments to show support, including her husband, Lincoln Townley, The Mirror reports.
He penned: “Grab those you know what’s darling you’re an incredibly strong talented sensational woman, the best is yet to come!”
Denise joined the show in 2005 alongside Kaye Adams and Coleen Nolan before taking a step back from the series in 2013. She then returned in 2018.
She has since shared the show with Ruth Langsford, Christine Lampard, Andrea McLean, Oti Mabuse, Gloria Hunniford and many others.
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