'I HOPE THE ROYALS DON'T TAKE OFFENCE!"

Loose Women's Denise Welch on her latest career move, her 'horrible’ first marriage and battling depression

-  JULIE ANN

She's one of Loose Women's feistiest panellists, so it's no surprise that Denise Welch dubbed herself 'Dirty Den' when she appeared in their live tour just a few weeks ago. The actor turned 65 in May, but it was a double celebration for the star, who had just marked an incredible 11 years of sobriety after battling an alcohol addiction. Now teetotal and happily married to third husband Lincoln Townley, 50, she tells Woman's Own all about the perks to having a rock star son, getting mobbed and why she's worried about what the Royal Family will think of her new stage role...

Congratulations on your recent Loose Women tour. How did it feel to be on stage with the other ladies?

It's a real a buzz to play at The London Palladium and to see it so packed. I said to my son [musician Matty Healy], it was like the nanna's version of The 1975 tour, because we got mobbed at the stage door and it was great! I've made some of my best friends from the show.

Is it true that you will be appearing in a musical in London soon?