Actress Denise Welch has announced her departure from the ITV talk show Loose Women after a nearly 25-year tenure, citing a desire to focus on new acting opportunities. Welch, who has been a prominent figure on the show since first appearing in 2000 and returning in 2018 after a seven-year absence, shared her decision via Instagram.

Her former Loose Women co-star, Carol McGiffin, who was among the original panelists and known for her candid commentary, responded to Welch's announcement with a sharp critique of the program. "Baaaabes, can't believe you stuck it out for so long!" McGiffin commented. "Upwards and upwards it is then. I won’t see you up there but hope to see you down here sometime!"

McGiffin herself stepped away from Loose Women in 2023, citing stress related to a contract dispute and what she described as "unjust and unworkable" terms from ITV. She stated at the time that the situation was affecting her health.

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Welch, known for her roles on Coronation Street, stated that she is pursuing "wonderful opportunities" in her acting career. She is slated to appear in the Channel 4 drama Tip Toe and an adaptation of Graham Norton's novel Forever Home.

Despite reports of on-set tensions, Welch expressed that she would remain friends with her fellow panelists, referring to them as a "happy band of campers." She acknowledged her polarizing public persona, saying, "I'm very Marmite, but I cherish all the comments good or bad that I've had over the years." Her final appearance on Loose Women was on June 29.

IMAGE2 Denise was a huge hit on Loose Women, but her string of opinionated rants divided opinion over the years

Welch's tenure on Loose Women was marked by several high-profile debates and clashes. In the past, she has publicly voiced opinions on topics such as COVID-19 restrictions, Matt Hancock's participation in I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, and the actions of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. She also made comments about Taylor Swift and her fans, and engaged in disagreements with co-hosts like Kaye Adams and Gloria Hunniford.

IMAGE3 Denise Welch's former Loose Women co-star Carol McGiffin took a savage swipe at the ITV show after her pal announced her departure from the show on Thursday

A spokesperson for Loose Women confirmed Welch's departure, stating that she will be "missed hugely" and wishing her well in her "next chapter."