Denise Welch confirms she's leaving Loose Women

She's been on the panel on and off for the last 25 years, but Denise Welch has now shared the bombshell news that she's leaving the show permanently.

Taking to her Instagram page to share a video of herself explaining her decision, the 68-year-old said: "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. 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."

“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 and friends of Denise were quick to comment on the post, with many expressing their disappointment.

Andrea McClean wrote: 'I’m excited for you Denise! New chapter. 🔥', with Nadia Sawalha commenting: 'You are such a fantastic actress !! Fly high lovely !! X'. (sic)

Brenda Edwards then wrote: 'Gonna miss all the laughs babe, you gotta do what you gotta do and I know it would have not been an easy decision. But we will most certainly keep in touch love you and see you soon 💙'. (sic)

GK Barry wrote: 'Denise I’m gonna be so sad not to be on the panel with you anymore you always brought so much joy to my day😭😭😭 can’t wait to see you on our screens ❤️❤️'. (sic)

Christine Lampard simply wrote: 'Legend ❤️❤️❤️', with Lisa Riley commenting: 'You are one in a million ♥️♥️♥️ grab it all by the you know what’s 💋💋💋'. (sic)

After seeing all of the lovely comments, Denise replied, saying: 'Spent last night in tears reading your lovely comments. Means a lot ❤️❤️'.

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Denise has made a return to acting in recent years, reprising her role as Steph Haydock in BBC school drama Waterloo Road earlier in 2026.

She also appears as Diane in Channel 4 series Tip Toe, as well as Ziggy in new Channel 5 drama Benidorm Is Murder. She has also announced she's set to star in a new dark comedy thriller called Forever Home, alongside Amy Nuttall and Lewis Cope.

In her early acting career, Denise appeared in huge shows such as Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, The Bill, Holby City, Coronation Street, Where the Heart Is, Benidorm and Hollyoaks.