Denise Welch gives blunt response to claims Loose Women is 'toxic' behind the scenes
Loose Women star Denise Welch has launched a blistering defence of the ITV daytime show.
Denise Welch insists claims Loose Women is a "toxic environment" are "f****** b*******".
The 68-year-old star, who has been a regular panellist on the ITV daytime show for over two decades, has defended the atmosphere behind the scenes and insisted "life is too short" for her to be working somewhere she wasn't comfortable. She told Woman's Own magazine: "Let me tell you this now on the record, it's absolute f****** b******.
"I've been doing that show on and off for 24 years with a seven-year gap, I have never had one argument or cross work - and I swear on my kids - in all that time.
"I'm 68, I would not be working somewhere that I don't need to work at - a toxic environment, life is too short."
Denise insisted that while there are some "big personalities" on the show and heated debates, it's never something that spills off camera.
She explained: "We have got big personalities - me and Kaye Adams, me and Carol McGiffin when she was on, we'd have some humdingers on the set, but we never carry it off, we have a laugh and a gossip.
"I go in, in the morning, into the meeting, and say, 'You'll never guess what's happened!' "
She has echoed comments made by GK Barry, who insisted the mood is still positive behind the scenes.
She told the Daily Mail's Tales From The Celebrity Trenches podcast: "When I am in a room full of those women, it's the best.
"I know there's a stigma in the media that all the Loose Women hate each other, but we genuinely do get on. They're hilarious.
"I don't think people like seeing opinionated women, that's what I have noticed coming into the industry."
Loose Women has had a tough time lately, including scrapping the live studio audience following widespread daytime cuts at ITV.
There has also been speculation around Nadia Sawalha's status on the show after allegations she made antisemitic remarks on her YouTube channel.
In late April, she branded reports she had been suspended from Loose Women as "lies".
She said in an Instagram video at the time: "It's literally gone mad. Thank you so much for all your lovely messages.
"But listen, don't worry guys, there's loads of lies going around at the moment, one of which is that I've been suspended by Loose Women.
"I have not been suspended by Loose Women. but thank you for all your lovely messages."
