Actress Denise Welch has reflected on a major change in her life that she’s described as her “best decision” on the anniversary this week. She’s recalled her partner Lincoln Townley having influenced the decision over a decade ago.
Denise, now 66, has previously spoken about once having a “disastrous relationship” with alcohol. Over the years, she has raised awareness around addiction and spoken about her sobriety, having revealed that her last alcoholic drink was in 2012. This week, she’s celebrating the anniversary of her decision to give up alcohol after being “terrified” of the alternative.
The Loose Women panelist reflected on the decision she made 13 years ago in a post on Instagram this afternoon. It included two photos of Denise that she had put side-by-side. The first was a throwback photo of the Celebrity Big Brother winner, whilst the other showed her more recently.
In the caption, Denise recalled that she gave up alcohol after her husband Lincoln, now 52, told her that he “couldn’t live” they way they were at the time. She told her followers in the post that she was then concerned about losing him.
Alongside the photos, she wrote in the caption: “13 years ago today I had my last alcoholic drink. I had woken up, as often happened, with no memory of the night before. I was in the middle of a huge theatre tour and was faced with the thought of a long car journey to Richmond and 2 shows!”
Denise continued: “Then I looked around and realised that my husband, then boyfriend, was watching me and he threw a newspaper on the bed. It was me. Papped. Leaning over the bonnet of a car shouting at someone and pointing. No recollection. The bathroom door of his flat had been pulled of its hinges and a lamp lay on the floor.
“Lincoln had stopped drinking 2 months before. I had told him I didn’t have as big of a problem. I did. A huge one. He told me he loved me but he couldn’t live like this. The thought of losing him terrified me. I was depressed, anxious, scared, embarrassed, appalled at my behaviour and full of shame.
“I gave up drinking that night. It is the best decision I have ever made. Not just because I now have an amazing marriage to the love of my life, but because our 3 children can live their lives knowing that we’re safe and happy. Their lives aren’t led never knowing what or where we’ll end up.”
She added: “My husband is now a successful international artist and I’m still working on television and on stage. The ripple effect on our families is what I’m most proud of. The look of love and respect from those who love us is something I cherish every day.
“If alcohol is making you and the people you love unhappy it’s time to stop. There is help and support out there. I still suffer from episodes of clinical depression but they are not compounded by alcohol and drugs so my recovery is quicker. I self medicated my illness for many years and became an alcoholic. I’m grateful for every day I wake up sober and I regained the respect I had lost.”
Denise concluded the post by writing: “My children are proud of me and that’s the greatest gift of all. Thank you to @lincolntownley for being by my side every step of the way.”
The former Coronation Street cast member was met with supportive messages from fans in the comments section. Celebrity pals also shared their pride over Denise and the lifestyle change that she made over a decade ago.
Loose Women colleague Lee Peart wrote: “And the awareness and work you’ve done for people suffering with addiction has been amazing. Proud to know you Denzi!” Former Corrie co-star Angela Lonsdale said: “So proud of you and [Lincoln].”
Fellow presenter Lisa Snowdon commented: “Amazing Denise. Huge achievement and look at you, absolutely glowing.” Whilst actor Kerry Howard said: “Such an important post.”
If you are struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction, advice and support can be found at alcoholchange.org.uk. If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch.
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