Denise Welch has said she has been 'overwhelmed' by the response as she was flooded with support and praise over her latest milestone. The Loose Women star took to Instagram as she marked 11 years sober.
She shared two pictures - one before she quit alcohol while the second was taken more recently - side by side on social media as she reflected on her alcohol-free journey alongside her husband Lincoln Townley over the last decade. "11 yrs sober today!!! Giving up my disastrous relationship with alcohol changed my life, my husband's life and my children’s lives. Plus the lives of all who love me," she started the caption of the post.
Denise went on to tell her followers: "It wasn’t easy. Addiction is a cruel and frightening illness. But together @lincolntownley and I realised that we were destroying many lives including our own and we did it. I now have a wonderful marriage that is the foundation of my life.
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"Our kids are happy and I hope those of you struggling find the strength to stop. If alcohol no longer makes you happy, if your drinking makes others lives miserable it’s time to stop. There is help there if you need it." Responding to the post, Lincoln said: "The most INCREDIBLY strong, big hearted woman I’ve ever met, I adore you
Former Liberty X star Michelle Heaton, who has opened up about her own battle with drink and drugs, was also among the first to respond, writing: "Yes my super star friend !! Xx I’m 2 years next week." Mark Adderley, the husband of Denise's ITV co-star Nadia Sawalha said: "DENISE THIS IS F*****G FANTASTIC NEWS AND AN ASTONISHING ACHIEVEMENT - I LOVE THE WAY YOU HAVE CONTINUED TO BE A SPARK OF JOY AND EXCITEMENT WITHOUT A DROP OF ALCOHOL IN YOU!!!! A huge huge congratulations - sending a sober hug."
Meanwhile, Nadia wrote: "I am in awe .. one day at a time for 11 years! And look what it’s brought you! So happy for you both." Ruth Langsford commented: "You’re amazing and such a great help to others." This Morning host Alison Hammond added: "Well done babes, very proud of you."
And fans were also quick to respond. @joanne.gaffney.73 said: "Well done @denise_welch that’s amazing I stopped drinking 5 years ago and never felt better such brighter days." @angiejenkison commented: "You’re an Inspiration Denise." @clipboardclaire wrote: "Fabulous and thank you for sharing that Denise it helps so many others."
@natty_alexandra_86 posted: "Love this. You're amazing. And look fantastic. The glow up is real." @avolookatthis shared: "Proud of you! You're looking absolutely fantastic!! You are glowing!!" @rebecca_rt added: "You are Amazing congrats!!!! My husband and I are six months without alcohol and we are loving it! So much better without it!"
And Denise was clearly reading the comments being sent her way as she posted herself under her post and said: "I’m honestly so touched and overwhelmed by your comments and support. Thank you so much."
It comes after the 62-year-old was flooded with compliments as she showed off her outfit for a recent appearance on Loose Women. The TV star looked amazing as sported a high-neck top under a khaki green blazer which she paired with a miniskirt to show off her toned and tanned pins before finishing her look off with a pair of knee-high brown boots.
"Mini skirt Monday @loosewomen," she captioned the post and it wasn't long before the comments section was being littered with flame emojis. TV presenter Jenny Powell said: "Ooh hellooo!! Wowzer!" Former Corrie star Angela Lonsdale posted: "Love this look on you Darlin."
@ctask1 commented: "You look fabulous Denise as always love the outfit." @brows_by_sarah_ wrote: "Wow! You look AMAZING." @l__pierce replied: "You look bloody fab." @bexelliff posted: "What the hellllll!!! You look insane." @philipgarciauk added: "Looking utterly fabulous."
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