It could be the end of an era for Loose Women, as reports suggest Denise Welch is preparing to walk away from the ITV panel show in favour of a new life across the Atlantic.

The 67-year-old actress, who has been a familiar face on daytime  TV for over a decade, recently caused a stir in the US after appearing on Andy Cohen’s Watch What Happens Live. During the show, she spoke candidly about her son Matty Healy’s short-lived romance with Taylor Swift, admitting that “being Taylor’s mother-in-law was a role I’m glad I lost,” before clarifying that she had “nothing against her at all” but found the situation “tricky.”

Denise went on to explain: “You’re not allowed to say anything, and then Taylor writes a whole album about it. But Matty has taken it all in good grace. He’s happy now with his fiancée Gabriella, Gabbriette, who is gorgeous.”

While her comments ruffled some Swifties, insiders claim the actress has been flooded with opportunities in the US. A source told Closer that Welch, who recently visited Matty in Los Angeles to discuss wedding plans, also held “network talks for her own show segment,” adding that “a move to the US is very tempting for Denise – she really misses Matty.”

The source added that Welch feels a strong pull to be by her son’s side during what is described as “the peak of his career.” They said: “He’s getting married, and Denise doesn’t want to be pushed out by an entourage. As his mother, she is his confidant and doesn’t want to let him down. She is torn between her UK family and the US calling, but family always comes first.”

Family games

ITV’s Loose Women has also been hit with sweeping cuts, with episodes reduced to just 30 weeks a year starting in January 2026. According to the insider, “Denise embraces change. She sees that this could be the right moment. She wants stability and, in the golden chapter of her life, wants to choose what fits best. Family is everything, and emotionally she is torn.”

Loose Women star Denise Welch has announced she is returning to an iconic soap role after 15 years away from the show.

Denise Welch, known for presenting Loose Women, is set to reprise her role as Steph Haydock in Waterloo Road after a 15-year hiatus.

The 67-year-old actress, who recently suffered an awkward moment on-air, will return as the Head of French, albeit this time around, she’ll be stepping in as a supply teacher.

Denise expressed her excitement about her comeback, saying: “I’m thrilled to see the return of Steph to Waterloo Road. 15 years older, but certainly not wiser.

“She’ll soon show that time has certainly not dulled her shine! Still unmarried but eternally hopeful, Steph is back as a supply teacher.

“What she is supplying remains to be seen, but I am having a great time stepping back into the shoes of a character I love.

Denise was part of Waterloo Road back in 2006 (Image: GettyImages)

“It’s also been great to reunite with some of my old castmates, like Jason Merrells.”

She teased: “Steph and Jack go back a long way, but will they move forward?! You’ll have to wait and see.”

Waterloo Road’s executive producer, Cameron Roach, was equally enthusiastic about Denise’s return, stating: “Steph Haydock is a Waterloo Road icon, so we knew we had to find the right story if we were to see her back in our world.

“We were thrilled that Denise enjoyed our pitch and that the fans will get to see Steph once more – her one-liners are just as sharp, her lipstick is fiercely drawn, and the staff room atmosphere is changed for good.

The actress is heading back to Waterloo Road (Image: BBC)

“Neil Guthrie has met his match. We can’t wait for the fans to see her episodes.”

Denise featured in the popular BBC series between 2006 and 2010, portraying linguistics expert Steph Haydock.

The programme was taken off air in 2015 following the finale of its 10th series, reports the Mirror.

However, it made a comeback in 2023. The actress had previously expressed her wish to reconnect with her acting heritage, revealing to OK! “I’m on television because I’m gobby and opinionated, and I think people can forget what I really do, and what I’m really good at.

Denise is ‘thrilled’ to be reprising her role on the BBC soap (Image: BBC)

“So I’m going to make a concerted effort to go back to what I do and know.”

Alongside her frequent Loose Women slots, Denise has secured numerous prominent parts in Britain’s most cherished soaps, notably taking on the role of Rovers’ landlady Natalie Barnes in Coronation Street across more than 480 episodes spanning 1997 to 2000.

Waterloo Road is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.

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