Denise Welch has fallen victim to a despicable death hoax - and this isn't the first occasion. The Loose Women panellist and soap icon, 67, was falsely reported to have passed away in a malicious viral rumour that has spread rapidly throughout the day. The Mirror can confirm that Denise is alive and well.

The star's Wikipedia page had even been altered to indicate she died on 18 March 2026, today's date, whilst another individual had fabricated a Sky News bulletin claiming she had passed away in Wilmslow, Cheshire. Whilst some believed it was genuine, others highlighted that the text was "not even centred properly".

One furious commenter wrote: "To start a rumour about someone's death is sick. I hope Denise Welch is ok and this level of trolling is addressed on Loose Women. Absolutely disgusting behaviour. Clearly people are bored."

Another concerned admirer asked: "Can anyone confirm if the news about Denise Welch is actually true? I know there's been hoaxes before but please say this isn't true." A third found it rather wearisome, writing: "Why does something tragic happen to Denise Welch on this app at least once every six months?"

Death hoaxes have previously targeted Denise. She dismissed one rumour in December 2023 when she informed fans she was at home waiting for I'm A Celeb to come on. She wrote on X: "I'm alive and well and about to watch the jungle. Thanks for your concern."

Last year, she claimed she had perished in a hot-air ballooning incident. In an Instagram post, Denise mocked the unverified report stating: "Thank goodness they found me!!!" She also retweeted a post reading: "Lady Gaga begins search for Denise Welch and the lost hot air balloon herself - 'I am looking for Densy'."

Denise is a television personality and soap opera icon, having portrayed Natalie Barnes in Coronation Street, Steph Haydock in Waterloo Road and Trish Minniver in Hollyoaks.

She is a recognisable presence to ITV audiences owing to her two extended periods on the daytime programme Loose Women.

She also featured on Dancing On Ice and claimed victory in the ninth series of Celebrity Big Brother in 2012. She has two sons, actor Louis and The 1975 star Matty.