Corrie legends step in as ill Denise misses big bash

STAR FORCED TO PULL OUT OF CHARITY BALL DUE TO ‘MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES'

- DIANNE BOURNE

CORONATION Street stars past and present rallied together to support their former co-star Denise Welch after she was unable to host her annual fundraising ball for the first time due to illness.

Denise had been due to host, and perform, at the Mamma Mia themed extravaganza in Manchester city centre in aid of Rochdale's Gem Appeal.

TV star Denise, 66, has raised thousands of pounds hosting her annual black tie ball for the Gem Appeal charity for the past 23 years. But on Saturday night in Manchester, guests rushed to applaud their absent host after learning she was unable to attend due to ill health.

A host of Denise's famous friends attended the ball, and Corrie legends Sally Dynevor and Sue Devaney performed on stage in a special ABBA performance that Denise had also been attend due to join. The event was all themed around the musical Mamma Mia, and saw guests arrive through a full-on Greek Taverna-style entrance.