Loose Women’s Denise Welch leaving show after 25 years

The much-loved TV personality announced her decision to step down via social media, addressing her followers with an official statement.

In a post on Instagram, the 68-year-old thanks those who have followed and supported her journey while looking forward to the next chapter in her long and successful career.

She said: “Hi! I’ve just come on to say something because it’s going to be in the papers.

“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, and this show has been part of mine and my family’s life for, well, 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.

“And at the moment, I’m having the most wonderful opportunities coming my way and I’m grabbing them by the you know what’s 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.

“And I just hope that you wish me well for this new, exciting chapter in my life.

“I’ll miss everybody, but I’ll remain friends with the whole gang.

“Because despite what you might read, we are a happy band of campers.

“Anyway, lots of love, thanks for sticking with me.”

Denise, who played Natalie Barnes in Coronation Street, first joined the daytime talk show more than 20 years ago, appearing as a guest panellist in 2002 before becoming a full-time team member from 2005.

After a five-year hiatus, she returned in 2018 and has remained a constant fixture ever since.

Nothing lasts forever, though, and Denise says the time has now come for her to pursue other opportunities.

Speaking after news broke of Welch’s departure, a spokesperson for Loose Women confirmed: “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.”