Major Loose Women star quits show after 25 years

Denise Welch has confirmed her exit from Loose Women after over two decades as a popular panellist.

The soap star and broadcaster, 68, made her Loose debut in 2000, a year after the chat show launched.

She remained a regular until 2002 before leaving for the first time. Denise returned from 2005 to 2013 and again from 2018 to 2026.

Now, she’s dipping out for a third time to focus on her acting.

Addressing the whispers that she would be departing the ITV lunchtime programme, Denise took to Instagram with a video message.

She began to her 450k followers: ‘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.’

Speaking highly of her time, she continued: ‘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-whats and running with it for this new chapter of my life.’

Denise concluded: ‘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. I’m very marmite, but I cherish all the comments, good or bad, that I’ve had over the years.

‘And 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.’

Shortly after, 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.’

Denise’s co-stars also inundated her with well-wishes, with comedian Judi Love writing under her post: ‘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!!! ❤️’

‘Nooooooo! Gutted to be honest! Going to really miss sharing the panel with you 😢❤️’, said Katie Piper.

Oti Mabuse thanked her for ‘being so welcoming’, while Brenda Edwards said they will ‘certainly keep in touch’.

‘Legend ❤️❤️❤️’, commented Christine Lampard, with Carol Vorderman declaring it marks an ‘era closing’.

Throughout her time on Loose Women, Denise has been front and centre of some of its most talked-about moments, whether it be clashing with co-stars on-air or voicing her opinions on politics.

What’s more, she’s been an open book with regard to her personal life, from sharing anecdotes about her famous son, Matty Healy, to candidly discussing her mental health struggles. This included a three-month break in 2025 due to her depression worsening.

As explained by Denise, she has a long history in the acting business, having started in the industry when she was just 12.

She went on to secure roles in some of the nation’s most popular shows, playing Natalie Barnes in Coronation Street (1997-2000), Steph Haydock in Waterloo Road (2006-2010, 2026), and Trish Minniver in Hollyoaks (2021-2022).

Denise has also appeared on reality shows like Dancing On Ice, and she won the ninth series of Celebrity Big Brother.

Most recently, she appeared as Diane Vazey in the hugely successful Russell T Davies Channel 4 drama Tip Toe, which co-starred Alan Cumming and David Morrissey.

Denise also portrayed Ziggy in Channel 5 crime drama Benidorm Is Murder.

Her next roles will be in the adaptation of Graham Norton’s novel, Forever Home, and in the sitcom Stepping Up.

Loose Women airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX.

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