Denise Welch 'Happier And Healthier Than Ever' As She Approaches Three Years Sober

Denise Is 'Happier Than Ever' As She Reaches Three Years Sober
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Denise Welch has said that she feels “healthier and happier than ever” as she approaches three years of sobriety.

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The former ‘Loose Women’ presenter was once arguably as well known for her partying ways as she was for her TV appearances, but she gave up drinking after finding love with the man she would later go on to marry, Lincoln Townley.

Speaking about how her life has changed now she’s sober, Denise tells The Mirror: “It’s quite incredible how different, and better, my life is now.

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Denise Welch

“Clearly there won’t be any wild celebrations because frankly I live a nun’s life now - and don’t get into a lot of bother.”

An ambassador for the mental health organisation, Mind, Denise has suffered bouts of depression ever since the birth of her son, but admits: “Now that I’m sober the episodes are much shorter lived.

“I never want to go back to my old partying ways.”

Since leaving the 'Loose Women' panel, and putting her partying ways behind her, Denise has returned to her original love of acting, touring in a production of 'Steel Magnolias' and appearing in the BBC drama series, 'Inspector George Lightly'.

Explaining why she decided to go back to being an actress, she told Closer this week: "The presenting side of my life had taken over and I became a celebrity and had done things like 'Celebrity Big Brother', which was not my finest hour.

"I thought it was about time I reminded people that I'm not a bad actress."

Who Should Join 'Loose Women'...?
Joanna Lumley(01 of12)
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In character as Patsy Stone from 'Absolutely Fabulous' the whole time if at all possible. (credit:Getty Images)
Kerry Katona(02 of12)
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Frankly, Great Britain needs Kerry Katona back on our TV screens, and 'Loose Women' would be a perfect platform for her. You can say what you want about Kerry, but she's lived a life that's worth hearing about, and she's actually a good laugh as proved during the first series of 'The Big Reunion' as well as during her time on 'Celebrity Big Brother'. (credit:Getty Images)
Cheryl Fernandez-Versini(03 of12)
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Divorce, serious illness, a very public sacking from the US 'X Factor' - Cheryl has overcome it all and always come out fighting, and more importantly smiling, which we think makes her a great candidate for 'Loose Women'.We'd love to see her Geordie charms lighting up the panel, and after putting up with Simon Cowell all this time she can obviously hold herself in an argument too. (credit:Getty Images)
Luisa Zissman(04 of12)
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During her time in the 'Celebrity Big Brother' house Luisa proved that even though she knows how to have a good time, that she can more than hold her own in a debate on a variety of topics.She may only be 26, but Luisa has managed to cram a lot into her life, and could offer a young person's perspective on certain topics.Plus, we bet she's got some really good gossip about the likes of Dappy and Lee Ryan... (credit:Getty Images)
Susanna Reid(05 of12)
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She's about to defect to ITV for 'Good Morning Britain', so we think Susanna should go the whole nine yards and join the panel on 'Loose Women'.After over a decade at 'BBC Breakfast', she's more than comfortable in a daytime TV setting, plus with everything going on in her personal life we think 'Loose Women' would be a great chance for her to vent. (credit:Getty Images)
Miss Piggy(06 of12)
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If 'Loose Women' producers are hoping to bring in some glamour, then they need look no further than Miss Piggy. Feisty, opinionated and headstrong we think she'd give even Janet Street-Porter a run for her money. (credit:Getty Images)
Gemma Collins(07 of12)
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Never lost for words on 'TOWIE', she's been a shoulder to cry on for almost all of the cast members at one time or another, and her pearls of wisdom (and occasional rants) have made her a hit with viewers, who would no doubt love to see her appear on 'Loose Women'.Unfortunately for Gemma while she seems good at dishing out advice to others, she's not as good at following it herself... (credit:Getty Images)
Sharon Osbourne(08 of12)
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She's helped make 'The Talk' - which seems a lot like a US version of 'Loose Women' if we're honest - into a ratings hit in America, and she's never been one to shy away from an argument or hold her tongue, so we think if 'Loose Women' bosses are looking for new talent they should sign Sharon up right away.Of course, they'd have to hide all glasses of water during a debate in case she threw it over one of the other women who disagreed with her, as is her usual tactic... (credit:Getty Images)
Helen Flanagan(09 of12)
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If there's one thing Helen Flanagan is famous for it's her strong political convictions, and angry rants at the establishment on social media.Who could forget her strongly-worded open letter about solving third world debt? Or her articulate solution to ending world wars?'Loose Women' would give Helen a platform for her intelligent insights. Or she could just chat about Scott, her boobs and perhaps take a selfie or two live on air. (credit:Getty Images)
Victoria Beckham(10 of12)
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Let's be honest, she's very well-dressed but Victoria Beckham isn't really known for her sense of humour is she? A stint on 'Loose Women' would let her show off her fun side, and also let us see a bit more of Victoria's opinions on the news of the day.Plus we bet she's got some great A-list gossip. She was, after all, in a band with Mel B. We hear her husband is famous as well, but we're not sure. (credit:Getty Images)
Katie Hopkins(11 of12)
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Admittedly, no, Katie isn't exactly the most popular woman in the world.But we already know her opinions on everything from obesity to class to immigration to debt, so we might as well put her on the 'Loose Women' panel instead of letting her air her views on Twitter.And could you imagine the awkwardness if she had to interview Lily Allen? Or Kelly Osbourne? Or Gemma Collins? Or Justin Bieber? Or...*continues for several hours* (credit:Getty Images)
Lady Gaga(12 of12)
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Now, perhaps as one of the biggest names in music 'Loose Women' might be a bit of a step down for Lady Gaga who is used to hanging out with the likes of Sir Elton John and Donatella Versace rather than Sherrie Hewson and Jamelia, but if she did join the panel it would be amazing.And could you imagine Gaga trying to come up with a different outfit every day, especially when up against fashion heavyweights like Janet Street-Porter and Coleen Nolan. (credit:Getty Images)