Loose Women star says ‘I’m thrilled’ as they announce soap return after 15 years

Loose Women viewers are set to see presenter Denise Welch in a different light as she’s returning to a well-known soap.

Denise Welch, one of the presenters on Loose Women,is set to make a triumphant return to her iconic role in Waterloo Road after a 15-year hiatus.

The 67-year-old actress, who recently hit back at trolls, will reprise her role as Head of French, Steph Haydock, but this time around, she’ll be stepping in as a supply teacher on the BBC show.

Speaking about her comeback, Denise said: “I’m thrilled to see the return of Steph to Waterloo Road. 15 years older, but certainly not wiser.

“She’ll soon show that time has certainly not dulled her shine! Still unmarried but eternally hopeful, Steph is back as a supply teacher.

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“What she is supplying remains to be seen, but I am having a great time stepping back into the shoes of a character I love.

“It’s also been great to reunite with some of my old castmates, like Jason Merrells.”

She added: “Steph and Jack go back a long way, but will they move forward? ! You’ll have to wait and see.”, reports the Mirror.

Waterloo Road’s executive producer, Cameron Roach, expressed his excitement about Denise’s return, saying: “Steph Haydock is a Waterloo Road icon, so we knew we had to find the right story if we were to see her back in our world.

“We were thrilled that Denise enjoyed our pitch and that the fans will get to see Steph once more – her one-liners are just as sharp, her lipstick is fiercely drawn, and the staff room atmosphere is changed for good.

“Neil Guthrie has met his match. We can’t wait for the fans to see her episodes.”

Denise featured in the popular BBC drama from 2006 to 2010 in the role of language specialist Steph Haydock.

The programme was taken off air in 2015 following the finale of its tenth series.

However, it made a comeback in 2023.

The actress had previously expressed her wish to reconnect with her acting career, sharing with OK! “I’m on television because I’m gobby and opinionated, and I think people can forget what I really do, and what I’m really good at.

“So I’m going to make a concerted effort to go back to what I do and know.”

Alongside her regular slots on Loose Women, Denise has secured several prominent parts in some of Britain’s most beloved soap operas, including her portrayal of Rovers’ landlady Natalie Barnes in Coronation Street across more than 480 episodes spanning 1997 to 2000.

Waterloo Road is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.