Denise Welch, 67, has engaged in a heated online spat with former Loose Women colleague Melanie Blake, 49, over Andrea McLean's new autobiography. The TV star, known for her outspoken nature, traded barbs with the talent agent after Blake criticized Welch's endorsement of McLean's book.
The Spark of the Dispute
Melanie Blake took to X to share a photo of the back cover of Andrea McLean's Shameless: Finding Freedom and Resilience Through Failure, which featured quotes from several personalities, including Denise Welch. Welch's quote praised the book as 'unflinchingly honest about her life imploding' and compared reading it to 'like watching a reality show.'
Blake, however, accused Welch and other Loose Women co-stars, such as Nadia Sawalha, of previously referring to McLean as 'Blandrea' behind her back. 'Huge plug Denise Welch has given for Andrea's new book,' Blake posted. 'Quite a surprise tho as Denise, Nadia & most of the OG cast, referred to her as "BLANDREA" behind her back at #LooseWomen for decades – "as was so boring." But suddenly her life & careers a mess & she's "unputdownable."'
Denise Welch's Sharp Response
Denise Welch swiftly replied with a sarcastic retort: 'Well. Can't wait for your no holds barred "autobiography". Very confused as to how that's going to fly!!' This prompted a lengthy 460-word rant from Blake, who accused Welch of 'veiled threats' and 'baiting.' Blake warned that she could 'fill a book' with anecdotes about Welch's behavior and claimed to have 'all the receipts.'
Blake's response included assertions that Welch had 'come after [her] time and time again' and that she had 'never done anything' to Welch. She cautioned Welch that choosing this route would be like steering 'the Titanic.' Welch, in turn, replied succinctly: 'Get help love, honestly. I wish you well. But get help.' Blake shot back, telling Welch to 'get help' herself and claiming Welch wished for her 'public humiliation.'
History of Tensions
This is not the first clash between the two. In 2023, Welch criticized Blake after she described Loose Women as a 'cut-throat place to work' in an interview. Welch took to social media to express disappointment, writing: 'So disappointing that a female agent @MelanieBlakeUK constantly uses her position to tear down other women. It's such a cliche that women can't work together without being b*****s.'
Blake, who has represented numerous Loose Women panelists, previously told The Mirror: 'Considering I represented over 15 women on that show (Loose Women), I am only friends with Saira Khan. But I can confirm in my experience, it's that show that's a cut-throat place to work and not This Morning.' She admitted she no longer watches Loose Women, comparing it to a 'toxic ex.'
Denise Welch's Relationship with Loose Women
Welch has been a regular panelist on Loose Women since 2005, with a hiatus from 2013 to 2018, during which she felt 'hurt' by changes made higher up. She returned but faced mental health struggles, leading to another absence from November 2024 to February 2025. Welch has been open about her depression diagnosis at age 24 and her ongoing battles.
Loose Women airs weekdays at 12:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
