Loose Women star makes career move following ITV cuts | | UK News

Denise Welch, identified for presenting Loose Women, is set to reprise her position as Steph Haydock in Waterloo Road after a 15-year hiatus.

The 67-year-old actress, who lately suffered an awkward second on-air, will return as the Head of French, albeit this time around, she’ll be stepping in as a provide instructor.

Denise expressed her pleasure about her comeback, saying: “I’m thrilled to see the return of Steph to Waterloo Road. 15 years older, but certainly not wiser.

“She’ll soon show that time has definitely not dulled her shine! Still single but eternally hopeful, Steph is back as a provide instructor.

“What she is supplying remains to be seen, but I am having a great time stepping back into the shoes of a character I love.

“It’s also been great to reunite with some of my outdated castmates, like Jason Merrells.”

She teased: “Steph and Jack go back a long method, but will they move ahead?! You’ll have to wait and see.”

Waterloo Road’s executive producer, Cameron Roach, was equally enthusiastic about Denise’s return, stating: “Steph Haydock is a Waterloo Road icon, so we knew we had to discover the correct story if we have been to see her back in our world.

“We were thrilled that Denise enjoyed our pitch and that the fans will get to see Steph once more – her one-liners are just as sharp, her lipstick is fiercely drawn, and the staff room atmosphere is changed for good.

“Neil Guthrie has met his match. We cannot wait for the followers to see her episodes.”

Denise featured in the popular BBC series between 2006 and 2010, portraying linguistics expert Steph Haydock.

The programme was taken off air in 2015 following the finale of its 10th series, reports the Mirror.

However, it made a comeback in 2023. The actress had previously expressed her wish to reconnect with her acting heritage, revealing to OK! “I’m on tv because I’m gobby and opinionated, and I feel people can overlook what I actually do, and what I’m actually good at.

“So I’m going to make a concerted effort to go back to what I do and know.”

Alongside her frequent Loose Women slots, Denise has secured quite a few outstanding elements in Britain’s most cherished soaps, notably taking on the position of Rovers’ landlady Natalie Barnes in Coronation Street across more than 480 episodes spanning 1997 to 2000.

Waterloo Road is on the market to watch on BBC iPlayer.