Denise Welch, the beloved 66-year-old actress and television presenter, has confirmed that she has no plans to leave the popular ITV daytime show 'Loose Women.' First joining the program in 2005, Welch became a staple until 2013, making a triumphant return five years later. In a recent interview, she expressed her love for the show, stating, "I love being on the show, 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," according to OK! magazine.
Welch's enduring presence on 'Loose Women' has been marked by her camaraderie with fellow panellists including Coleen Nolan, Janet Street-Porter, and Ruth Langsford. She emphasized that her commitment to the show is driven by genuine enjoyment rather than necessity. "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," she noted.
Having shared her personal stories and insights for over two decades, Welch believes in the responsibility of the show's panellists to voice their opinions. "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," she remarked.
'Loose Women' recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, a milestone Welch attributes to the show's unique approach to representation. "I think the fact that it's one of the, if not the only, show in the world that celebrates the voices of older women. Not only celebrates them but reveres them and really listens," she explained. The diverse age range of the panellists, from 25-year-old Grace Barry (GK Barry) to 84-year-old Gloria Hunniford, contributes to the show's broad appeal. Welch added, "There's something for everybody. You never know what you're going to get. It's not like 'The View' where they have a set panel of people. We have a changeable panel, so if somebody doesn't like that panel, don't watch it; you can watch it the next day and then your favourites might be on. And I think that's why it's such a success."
While the show continues to thrive, viewers were recently informed of a scheduling change. On Wednesday, March 26, 2025, 'Loose Women' was pulled from the ITV schedule to accommodate live coverage of Chancellor Rachel Reeves's Spring budget. Ruth Langsford, who co-hosts the show, broke the news to viewers during the previous day's episode, saying, "We've got to go unfortunately! We'd love to stay for the afternoon... We're not here tomorrow either because of the spring statement. I'm sure you're all looking forward to that!"
The live coverage of the Spring budget was set to air from 12:15 PM to 1:50 PM, as Reeves was expected to announce significant cuts to the benefit system, including the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) scheme. This scheduling shift also affected 'This Morning,' which aired in the slot before 'Loose Women,' resulting in a 15-minute shorter episode than usual.
Despite the interruption, both 'Loose Women' and 'This Morning' are set to return to their regular programming on Thursday, March 27, 2025. Langsford confirmed that Mark Stanley, known for his role in 'Adolescence,' would be joining the panel for the show's return.
As 'Loose Women' continues to navigate changes in scheduling and programming, Denise Welch remains a steadfast figure, committed to the show's mission of celebrating women's voices, particularly those of older generations. Her enthusiasm for the show and its format reflects a broader cultural shift towards inclusivity and representation in media.
In a world where daytime television often faces criticism for lack of diversity and depth, 'Loose Women' stands out as a platform where women of all ages can share their stories and opinions. Welch's ongoing participation not only enriches the discussions but also highlights the importance of having varied perspectives represented in popular media.
As viewers eagerly anticipate the show's return, they can look forward to more engaging conversations and heartfelt exchanges among the panellists, ensuring that 'Loose Women' remains a vital part of daytime television.
