Denise Welch leaving Loose Women after 25 years to focus on acting

What this means for Denise Welch's career

Welch has been on the panel on and off for close to a quarter of a century, leaving for about seven years before returning in 2018.

Acting, she said, had "always been my first love, and I think the thing I’m best at", and she is entering a "new chapter of my life".

Her screen credits include Waterloo Road, Coronation Street, Benidorm and Hollyoaks, and she was a Dancing On Ice contestant in 2011 before winning Celebrity Big Brother in 2012.

Welch took on Instagram, saying: "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.

The actress added: "I’ll miss everybody, but I will remain friends with the whole gang…"

Fellow panellists Katie Piper, GK Barry, Judi Love and Nadia Sawalha were among those wishing Denise Welch well, with Piper admitting she was "gutted" to lose her from the panel.

Welch did not say which acting project comes next, though her CV spans soaps, comedy and ITV drama.