Who Is Denise Welch?
Denise Welch is a multi-talented English actress, television personality, writer, and broadcaster born on May 22, 1958, in Tynemouth, Northumberland. With a professional career spanning over four decades, she is best known for her roles as Natalie Barnes in Coronation Street, Steph Haydock in Waterloo Road, and Trish Minniver in Hollyoaks.
Denise is also a familiar face on British television as a long-standing panellist on ITV’s Loose Women. Beyond acting, she is an accomplished author, sharing her experiences overcoming depression and addiction. Denise’s candidness about mental health has made her a respected advocate and a role model for resilience.
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Denise Welch and Taylor Swift
Denise Welch entered worldwide pop-culture conversations due to her indirect connection with Taylor Swift through her son, Matty Healy, the lead singer of The 1975. In 2023, Swift and Healy’s brief romance sparked international attention, especially after Swift’s album The Tortured Poets Department featured several songs rumored to be about Healy.
Denise humorously addressed the situation in interviews and on TV, making it clear that, while she had no issue with Swift, she was relieved not to become “her mother-in-law” and found the attention both overwhelming and amusing. She has wished Swift well and described the entire experience as “tricky,” but handled with grace by her family.
Denise Welch’s Sons
Denise Welch is the proud mother of two sons: Matty Healy, born in 1989, and Louis Healy, born in 2001. Matty, her elder son, is the charismatic frontman for the globally successful band The 1975. Denise often expresses her pride for Matty, highlighting his journey from forming the band in their family garage as a child to headlining major music festivals like Glastonbury.
She is candid about both the joys and challenges of parenting a famous musician, sometimes opening up about difficult periods, including Matty’s struggles with addiction and his journey to recovery. Louis, her younger son, is also building a career as an actor.
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Matt Healy and Taylor Swift
Matty Healy, Denise Welch’s eldest son, and Taylor Swift were rumored to have briefly dated in 2023, making global headlines. Their connection led to a surge of fan theories and media stories, intensified by Swift’s release of The Tortured Poets Department, which many believe contains references to her time with Healy.
Although their relationship was short-lived, both artists have spoken about it indirectly—Swift through her music and Matty with characteristic self-deprecation in interviews. Denise Welch has remarked publicly about the situation but maintains a neutral and friendly stance, underscoring that everyone involved has moved on and is focused on their respective futures.
Denise Welch Net Worth
Denise Welch’s estimated net worth is around $7 million. Her wealth comes from a highly successful career in television acting and presenting, book sales, public appearances, and other media ventures. Her enduring presence on screen—from drama series to reality shows—alongside her writing and advocacy work, has secured her financial stability and positioned her among Britain’s most prosperous soap opera and TV personalities.
Image Credit: denise_welch(Instagram)
FAQs
What is Denise Welch’s most famous acting role?
She is best known for playing Natalie Barnes in Coronation Street and for starring in Waterloo Road and Loose Women.
Who are Denise Welch’s children?
Denise has two sons—Matty Healy (singer, The 1975) and Louis Healy (actor).
Is Denise Welch still on TV?
Yes, she remains active as a regular panelist on ITV’s Loose Women and continues her work in television and writing.