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Denise Welch 'spent night in tears' after announcing Loose Women exit as co-stars react

Denise Welch is leaving Loose Women after almost 25 years on the ITV show to focus on acting, with the star admitting she was 'in tears' after sharing the news

Denise Welch has admitted that she was in tears after reading all of the love and support from fans following the announcement of her Loose Women exit.

On Thursday, 13 August, Denise announced she would be leaving Loose Women to focus on acting. She said in a post on Instagram: "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."

[Denise Welch is leaving Loose Women after almost 25 years on the ITV show to focus on acting]

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Denise Welch is leaving Loose Women after almost 25 years on the ITV show to focus on acting(Image: ITV/Shutterstock)

[Denise Welch]

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Denise said she 'spent last night in tears'(Image: Instagram/ @denise_welch)

She added that she is entering a "new chapter of my life" and said: "I just wanted... 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 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. Anyway, lots of love and thanks for sticking with me."

[Denise's Loose Women co-stars have reacted to the news of her departure ]

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Denise's Loose Women co-stars have reacted to the news of her departure (Image: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock)

After receiving support from her co-stars and fans in the comments, Denise offered a simple reply in the comments herself this morning, where she revealed she had been emotional. She added: "Spent last night in tears reading your lovely comments. Means a lot".

Her fellow Loose Women panellists also reacted to her departure, as Katie Piper said: No, gutted to be honest, Going to really miss sharing the panel with you", while Christine Lampard simply said: "Legend."

Kelly Brook commented: "Ill miss you so much! The Ultimate Loose Women! We were lucky to have you. cant wait to see what you do next x" and GK Barry added: Denise Im going to be so sad not to be on the panel with you anymore you always brought so much joy to my day, cant wait to see you on our screens.

Judi Love posted: Im going to miss you but Im beyond excited to see your new chapter because baby girl its here and we are loving it. While Nadia Sawalha, whom recently threatened legal action against ITV claiming she was dropped from the show for her support of Palestine, added: You are such a fantastic actress. Fly high lovely.

Carol McGiffin, who left the show in 2023, appeared to take a swipe at the show as she said: "Baaaabes. can't believe you stuck it out for so long! Upwards and upwards it is then. I won't see you up there but hope to see you down here sometime!"

On screen, Denise played Natalie Barnes in Coronation Street from 1997 to 2000, and Trish Minniver in Hollyoaks from 2021 to 2022. She also had a recurring role as Alison Slater in EastEnders and appeared as Steph Haydock in the original Waterloo Road, as well as reprising her role in the newest series of the BBC hit show.

Denise recently wrapped up filming a new six-part series on Channel 5 called Forever Home. It will arrive on our screens later this year, and is based on one of Graham Norton's best-selling novels.

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