Denise Welch joining 'Hollyoaks' cast in 'specially created' role

Former Coronation Street star Denise Welch is turning her hand to another soap as she joins Hollyoaks for a year.

The presenter revealed on Monday's Loose Women that she is set to act in a "specially created" role on the Channel 4 soap, the mother of already established character Maxine Minniver who is played by fellow Corrie alum, Nikki Sanderson.

“I’m going to be playing my lovely Nikki Sanderson’s mum, Trish, who is a dance teacher with a slightly dark side," she shared.

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"I’ve got a hunky new lover. Because of Covid restrictions, he’s probably very glad he doesn’t have to kiss me, but they’ve also mentioned there may be times that Lincoln [Townley] might have to be a body double if there’s any jiggy jigs.”

Welch added she felt "honoured" to have had the role created for her.

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“I’m still going to be able to do Loose. I’m excited because I miss my acting. I love the show," she said.

Hollyoaks also shared the news from the programme's Twitter account with a message reading: "We are BEYOND excited about this news... Pinch us quick! Welcome to the family @RealDeniseWelch."

She isn't the only Loose Woman on the soap either, as Kéllé Bryan has played Martine Deveraux since 2018.

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It comes after Welch starred as Natalie Horrocks on Coronation Street between 1997 and 2000.

Meanwhile, it seems she's keeping things in the family as her youngest son Louis Healy joined Emmerdale last for a 20 episode stint as Danny Harrington.

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