Denise Welch celebrates 11 years of sobriety and admits it ‘wasn’t easy’

Denise Welch has celebrated 11 years of sobriety and took to social media to reflect on her decision to give up alcohol as she marked the milestone.

The Loose Women star, 64, took to Instagram on Tuesday to share two snaps of herself, taken over 11 years apart, as she spoke about how sobriety changed her life.

She admitted her ‘disastrous’ relationship with alcohol affected her relationship with her husband Lincoln Townley and the lives of her sons Louis, 22, and Matty, 34, who she shares with her ex Tim Healy.

The Coronation Street actress went on to share that although going sober ‘wasn’t easy’, it completed changed her life and the lives of her loved ones.

In a poignant caption, she penned: ’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.

Alcohol: The Coronation Street actress shared that although going sober ‘wasn’t easy’, it completed changed her life and the lives of her loved ones

‘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. 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.’

Her Loose Women co-stars and famous friends were quick to take to the comments section to share their support for the Hollyoaks star. 

This Morning’s Alison Hammond wrote: ‘Well done babes , very proud of you.’

While Nadia Sawalha gushed: ‘I am in awe .. one day at a time for 11 years ! And look what it’s brought you ! So happy for you both.’

Michelle Heaton, who has openly spoken about her own addiction, said: ‘Yes my super star friend!! Xx I’m 2 years next week.’

And Ruth Langsford commented: ‘You’re amazing and such a great help to others.’

Responding to her supportive pals, Denise commented: ‘I’m honestly so touched and overwhelmed by your comments and support. Thank you so much.’

Denise and Lincoln tied the knot in July 2013 in Portugal, after becoming engaged in August 2012.

Lincoln previously credited his wife with helping him to become sober, leading him to become one of the country’s most in-demand artists.

Kind words: Her Loose Women co-stars and famous friends were quick to take to the comments section to share their support for the Hollyoaks star

Struggles: She admitted her ‘disastrous’ relationship with alcohol affected the lives of her sons Louis, 22, and Matty, 34, (both pictured in May 2015) who she shares with her ex Tim Healy

Romance: Denise’s husband Lincoln Townley previously credited his wife with helping him to become sober, leading him to become one of the country’s most in-demand artists

Speaking to The Mirror in June 2019, the London-born art sensation said of his other half: ‘Drinking never brought anything good into my life except for Denise.’

‘We got to the point where we knew the best way to do it was to embrace sobriety together,’ he added.

Addressing their joint journey into sobriety, he shared: ‘We have known each other through a very dark time and we wanted to create something out of what we had. We’re here and we’re both very happy and that’s the way it works for us.’

Lincoln added that it’s ‘not hard’ to stay sober as the couple have plenty going on in their lives to keep them busy and focused.

Anyone battling similar issues can contact AA on 0800 917 7650 or email the helpline at help@aamail.org.