Denise Welch has been a regular on the Loose Women panel since 2005 and has no plans to leave the ITV daytime show anytime soon
Denise Welch has made it clear she's sticking with her role on the Loose Women panel and expressed deep affection for her co-stars. While the 66-year-old actress had a break some years ago, the job now fits into her lifestyle perfectly.
"I love being on the show," Denise told the Mirror in an exclusive interview. "I did have a break for a few years, but I love it right now. It fits into my lifestyle really well, and I've no plans of leaving.
"I love catching up with the girls, and we all support each other. Believe you me, If I didn't get on with everybody then I wouldn't be doing it, I'm at an age now where I don't need to."
Denise, celebrated for her roles in Hollyoaks and Waterloo Road, first joined the Loose Women panel in 2005. After an eight-year stint, she took a break only to return five years later.
Speaking at the Royal Television Society awards, she continued: "I've been sharing my stories for over two decades now, and I always believe that you have a responsibility on the show to share your opinion if you've got one. We've all gone through different things, and we all support each other.
"I'm 67 this year, and It's the only show on television, I believe, that truly celebrates women and ageing." Laughing, she then added: "I'm quite gobby. My opinions aren't going to change!"
Denise's thoughts come just a month after she was diagnosed with acute peritonitis, a severe infection of the stomach's inner lining. While numerous factors can influence this, Denise previously explained that she had a perforated diverticulum, a tear in the bowel wall.
"I got back from a lovely holiday in the Caribbean last Saturday," she explained on Loose Women last month. "All bronze, looking forward to coming on here last week and showing off my sun tan and 'I'm back' and all this.
"And I got rushed into hospital on the Saturday with acute peritonitis - a perforated diverticulitis...So, I've been in hospital on a drip for a b***** week! Excuse me.
"Anyway, they didn't have to do surgery, they got it with antibiotics, thank you... As my mother said, 'Take me to the knacker's yard'."
Typical symptoms of peritonitis include persistent stomach pain, high fever, rapid heartbeat, and unusual changes to your urination patterns. Some patients also experience a loss of appetite, nausea, and a swollen stomach.
Anyone exhibiting these symptoms must seek immediate medical attention, as the risk of severe complications like sepsis increases if the infection spreads.
Thankfully, Denise stressed that she was well-cared for in hospital and has since found humour in the situation. On the show, she quipped: "I'm eating and believe you me, what's going on down there, I'm a loose woman - believe me."
