Denise Welch

British Actor in ‘Coronation Street’, Former Panellist On ITV’s ‘Loose Women’ & Author Of ‘Pulling Myself Together’

Denise Welch’s Biography:

Denise Welch is a celebrated British actress, television presenter and author, best known for her role as Natalie Horrocks in Coronation Street and as a long-standing panellist on ITV1’s Loose Women. Alongside a successful career in television drama and entertainment, Denise is widely respected as a speaker on depression and resilience. Her openness, warmth and authenticity allow her to connect deeply with audiences, making her a powerful voice on mental health, wellbeing and overcoming adversity.

Denise’s television career began in the early 1980s, with her major breakthrough coming in 1983 when she appeared in BBC drama Spender. She went on to build a strong acting career with roles across popular British television, including Soldier Soldier, where her on-screen performance of You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me became a chart-releasing single in the mid-1990s. Her profile continued to rise as she took on varied roles that showcased both her dramatic and musical talents.

In 1997, Denise joined Coronation Street, where her portrayal of Natalie Horrocks made her a household name. She later starred in the third series of BBC One’s Waterloo Road and expanded her television presence through entertainment and reality formats, including Dancing on Ice. Since joining Loose Women in 2005, Denise has become one of the programme’s most recognisable and trusted voices, known for her honesty and emotional intelligence when discussing real-life issues.

Alongside her on-screen work, Denise has been candid about her lifelong experience with depression, which began in her twenties. She has channelled this experience into writing, authoring books including ‘Pulling Myself Together’ and ‘The Unwelcome Visitor: Depression and How I Survive It‘. Through her work, Denise has helped to reduce stigma around mental health and empower others to speak openly about their own struggles.

Why Hire Denise Welch?

Denise is hired as a speaker for her extraordinary ability to speak openly and compassionately about mental health, resilience and recovery. Drawing on her lived experience of depression and her high-profile career in television, she delivers talks that are honest, reassuring and deeply human.

Denise helps audiences feel seen and understood, offering hope, perspective and encouragement rather than platitudes. Her talks resonate across workplaces, conferences and wellbeing events, leaving audiences inspired to prioritise mental health and approach challenges with greater resilience.

Denise Welch’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Denise Welch’s inspirational career:

• 2026 – Reprised her iconic role as Steph Haydock in the seventeenth series of BBC One’s Waterloo Road, returning to screen in the revival of the beloved school drama.
• 2025 – Released the single Slayy Bells, co-written by Denise and issued on 23 November 2025 as a contender for the Christmas number one.
• 2011 – Appeared in the third series of BBC1’s Waterloo Road, taking on a prominent role in the hit drama.
• 2010 – Took part in ITV1’s Dancing on Ice, reaching new audiences through prime-time entertainment television.
• 2005 – Joined ITV1’s Loose Women as a regular panellist, becoming one of the show’s most established and recognisable presenters.
• 1997 – Joined Coronation Street as Natalie Horrocks, a role that made her a household name.
• 1995 – Released a chart single following her appearance in Soldier Soldier, with You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me reaching No. 23 in the UK charts.
• 1991 – Appeared in ITV drama Soldier Soldier, gaining national recognition for both acting and musical performance.
• 1983 – Made her television breakthrough playing Francis, Jimmy Nail’s estranged wife, in BBC drama Spender.
• 1980 – Began her professional acting career after training at Mountview Theatre School.