Loose Women panellist Denise Welch has announced she is joining the cast of Hollyoaks. 

The former Coronation Street star is set to appear as the on-screen mother of Nikki Sanderson’s character Maxine Minniver in the Channel 4 soap. 

Denise, who previously starred alongside Nikki on Corrie, announced the news on Monday’s edition of the ITV panel show, revealing she will be with the cast for at least a year. 

She told the show: “I’m going to be playing my lovely Nikki Sanderson’s mum, Trish, who is a dance teacher with a slightly dark side. I’ve got a hunky new lover.

“Because of Covid restrictions, he’s probably very glad he doesn’t have to kiss me, but they’ve also mentioned there may be times that Lincoln [Townley, her real-life husband] might have to be a body double if there’s any jiggy jigs.”

She added: “I’m still going to be able to do Loose Women. I’m excited because I miss my acting. I love the show.

“It’s their 25th anniversary and I feel very honoured that this role has been created. It’s fabulous.”

Not only will Denise be starring alongside former Coronation Street colleague Nikki in her new role, but she will also share the screen with fellow Loose Woman Kéllé Bryan, who plays Martine Deveraux. 

Denise also appeared alongside Chelsee Healey, who plays Goldie McQueen, in school drama Waterloo Road. 

She added in a statement: “I’m looking forward to working with some old friends and making new ones.”

As well as playing Natalie Barnes on Corrie and Steph Haydock on Waterloo Road, Denise’s other acting credits include Soldier Soldier, Boy Meets Girl and Benidorm. She also appeared in an episode of EastEnders as Alison Slater in 2016. 

Denise will debut as Trish in Hollyoaks in January 2021. 

Hollyoaks airs weeknights at 6.30pm on Channel 4, while Loose Women airs weekdays at 12.30pm on ITV.