Denise’s blended family: ‘Why I still spend Xmas with my ex’
Denise Welch, 59, is opening her home to Tim Healy…
‘Christmas in years past has not been my favourite time. Alcohol made us miserable’
Not many people would want to spend Christmas with their ex, but actress Denise Welch has done the unthinkable and invited her ex-husband, Tim Healy, and his new wife, Joan Anderton, over for lunch.
While most splits can turn nasty, the TV couple have managed to remain the best of friends.
Denise has two sons, The 1975 frontman Matt, 28, and actor Louis, 16, with the 65-year-old Benidorm star.
In fact, she’s even roped him into doing the cooking alongside her husband, Lincoln Townley, while she puts her feet up.
She says, ‘My sons Matty and Louis will be there, along with Tim, Joan, Lincoln and his son Lewis. Tim and Lincoln will be in the kitchen. They’ll make Christmas pudding and we’ll sit around in our pyjamas and watch rubbish TV.’
It will be a particularly poignant Christmas after Tim almost died after falling ill earlier this year. He was airlifted to hospital in Spain and had to fight for his life, but managed to recover fully.
While Christmas may be a time for cheer, the former Loose Woman and husband Lincoln, 44 – who have both battled alcohol addiction – are hoping for a happier celebration this year after booze ruined previous holidays.
Denise, who has been sober for five years, explains, ‘I don’t want to sound “bah humbug” but Christmas in years past has not been my favourite time. Alcohol made us miserable.’
As well as hosting her blended Christmas, Denise will be busier than ever as she’s returning to panto to play Mother Nature in Jack And The Beanstalk in Newcastle alongside I’m A Celeb… star Adam Thomas at the Pantodrome theatre. She only gets one day off from the show.
She added, ‘I’ll be in Jack And The Beanstalk in Newcastle and, after the Christmas Eve matinée, we’re all going off to a restaurant for dinner.
‘I’ll be back on stage on Boxing Day, and that will give me a chance to work off some of the pounds!’