Denise Welch has withdrawn from her role in an upcoming pantomime amid ongoing concerns for her health. The 66-year-old Loose Women panellist was set to star in a Christmas rendition of Peter Pan alongside TV fashion expert Gok Wan, comedian Paul Chuckle and several other famous faces.
But yesterday, the Nottingham Theatre Royal announced that Denise is no longer playing the role of Captain Hook, with musical theatre star Richard Winsor now among the cast. Its Instagram statement read: “Attending Peter Pan this year? We’re sorry to announce that Denise Welch will no longer be performing in this year’s pantomime due to ill health.
“We send Denise our warmest wishes, and hope she feels better very soon.” The pantomime update comes less than a month after Denise told the Loose Women audience that she had not ‘been well’, with an ‘unwelcome visitor’ paying her a visit.
The TV star was talking about depression, which she summarised as an ongoing sadness. “Yeah, so I had a really rough two weeks, which I’m still in a bit,” she explained in a recent ITV episode, according to the Mirror.
“I just did a podcast and a big article saying how I’ve been free for five years of clinical depression. Sadly, the unwelcome visitor paid me another visit, so I’ve not been well for a couple of weeks.”
Later, she also added: “I just wanted to come on here because what I need when I’m poorly, I need for my friends to just know that I need time to get well.” The NHS explains that depression can affect people in a variety of different ways, giving rise to a wide range of symptoms.
While prolonged unhappiness and hopelessness are among the more internal signs of depression, physical symptoms may include exhaustion, a lack of sex drive and various aches and pains. Current advice explains: “The symptoms of depression range from mild to severe.
“At its mildest, you may simply feel persistently low in spirit, while severe depression can make you feel suicidal, that life is no longer worth living. Most people experience feelings of stress, anxiety or low mood during difficult times.
“A low mood may improve after a short period of time, rather than being a sign of depression.” Anyone who believes they are depressed is urged to seek help from a GP.
The advice adds: “Many people wait a long time before seeking help for depression, but it’s best not to delay. The sooner you see a doctor, the sooner you can be on the way to recovery.”
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.