Denise Welch: Sober, Stylish, and Stealing the Scene

Denise Welch is currently experiencing a significant career reinvention, which she terms her renaissance. After years of battling depression and addiction, Welch is now 15 years sober and has returned to acting, reprising her role as Steph Haydock in 'Waterloo Road' and securing parts in new Channel 4 series.

Beyond acting, Welch has become an unexpected fashion icon. She recently featured in i-D magazine and served as a party correspondent for GQ. Her embracing of 'hun culture' has further cemented her status, with young celebrities seeking selfies with her.

Welch candidly discusses her past struggles with depression, which began after giving birth to her son Matty Healy, and her subsequent addiction to alcohol and cocaine. She reveals that she was diagnosed with ADHD four years ago, which she believes is connected to her postnatal depression.

Her sobriety journey began with her third husband, Lincoln Townley, who is also sober and a successful artist. Welch emphasizes that her marriage to Townley is the bedrock of her life, highlighting their shared recovery and mutual support.

Despite past negative experiences with the press, including phone hacking and bugging of hotel rooms, Welch now feels more in control. She reflects on the intense media scrutiny she faced during her addiction, noting that the tabloids lost interest when she became sober.

Welch also touches on her son Matty Healy's public life and his own past struggles with substance abuse, expressing pride in her children while respecting their privacy. She admits to a recent comment about Taylor Swift and Matty's past relationship, a remark she now regrets due to press intrusion.

Looking forward, Welch expresses excitement about future projects and her current mental well-being, advocating that a wonderful life is possible even with mental illness.