Truth about Denise Welch as wild rumours circulate online
Denise Welch has been the victim of a vile death hoax - and not for the first time. The Loose Women star and soap legend, 67, was reported to have died in a sick viral rumour that has gathered pace throughout the day. The Mirror can confirm that Denise is alive and well.
The star's Wikipedia had even been edited to show that she died on 18 March 2026, today's date, and another person has mocked up a Sky News report announcing that she had died in Wilmslow, Cheshire.
One angry poster wrote: "To start a rumour about someone’s death is sick. I hope Denise Welch is ok and this level of trolling is addressed on Loose Women. Absolutely disgusting behaviour. Clearly people are bored."
• Sharon Osbourne defends daughter Kelly over weight loss concern
• Bonnie Blue charged with outraging public decency after Met Police probe
Another worried fan asked: "Can anyone confirm if the news about Denise Welch is actually true? I know there's been hoaxes before but please say this isn't true." A third found it all a bit tiresome, writing: "why does something tragic happen to Denise Welch on this app at least once every six months?"
Denise has been the victim of death hoaxes before. She silenced one rumour in December 2023 when she told fans she was at home waiting for I'm A Celeb to come on. She wrote on X: "I'm alive and well and about to watch the jungle. Thanks for your concern."
Another last year suggested she had died in a hot-air ballooning accident. In an Instagram post, Denise poked fun at the unverified report saying: "Thank goodness they found me!!!" She also retweeted a post reading: "Lady Gaga begins search for Denise Welch and the lost hot air balloon herself - 'I am looking for Densy'."