Denise Welch has opened up about a health scare that left her hospitalized for a week after returning from a holiday in the Caribbean. The Loose Women star, who had been eagerly anticipating showing off her suntan, was instead rushed to the hospital with a severe infection known as acute peritonitis, a condition that involves the infection of the inner lining of the abdomen.
Speaking candidly on Tuesday’s episode of Loose Women, Denise revealed the shocking turn of events. “I got back from a lovely holiday in the Caribbean last Saturday. All bronzed, looking forward to coming on here and showing off my suntan. I got rushed into hospital on the Saturday with acute peritonitis – perforated diverticulitis,” she said, reported Wales Online.
Denise explained that the condition left her requiring intravenous antibiotics for a week. “I’ve been in hospital for a drip for a week! They didn’t have to do surgery, they got it with antibiotics thankfully. As my mother said, ‘Take me to the knacker’s yard!'” she added, sharing a light-hearted moment despite the serious nature of her illness.
Though she is now recovering, Denise admitted she is still feeling the effects of her recent health battle. “I’m eating and believe you me, what’s going on down there, I’m a Loose Women – believe you me!” she joked, showing her resilient sense of humor even in the face of adversity.
The star also reflected on her struggles with mental health, recalling a difficult moment from December when she “collapsed” before a pantomime performance. This health setback led her to withdraw from her role as Captain Hook in the 2024 Peter Pan pantomime at Nottingham Theatre Royal.
In addition to discussing her health, Denise recently shared insight into her marriage with husband Lincoln Townley. The couple, who appeared together on Celebrity Hunted, have built a strong relationship based on both love and humor. “We do have a good laugh,” she said. “The thing with us is that we take our business very seriously, but we don’t take ourselves seriously. There’s a balance there, which really works because we have a good laugh. We find humour in so many things together.”
Denise went on to express the unique bond they share, saying, “I always thought there wouldn’t be one person that I fancy and be able to laugh with like I laugh with my girlfriends or my gay best friends. But I managed to find that in Lincoln.” She added that their shared humor is a key part of the success of their marriage. “I didn’t want to do Celebrity Hunted with anybody but my husband, and that says it all,” Denise concluded.
