Denise Welch reveals the ‘dramatic wake-up call’ that prompted her to give up alcohol and shed two stone

ARE you enjoying a little R&R, Denise?

Yes! I love having down time, getting my nails done and massages.

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My husband Lincoln [Townley, 44] bought me a massage bed for my birthday two years ago with the promise I’d get a full-body massage at least once a week.

I’ve only had one so far!

Oh dear. How has life changed since you became sober five years ago?

I feel more at peace. There’s nothing about my old life I’d like back.

Giving up alcohol doesn’t cure mental illness but it stops compounding it.

I still have episodes of depression and anxiety but, by not drinking, the episodes are slightly easier to cope with.

How did you finally break the cycle of alcoholism?

Lincoln and I have always had a great relationship, but we realised alcohol was starting to impair it. I thought I was going to lose him, so I started going to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and kicked the habit.

CBT also helped me stop smoking. Now, instead of going out drinking, Lincoln and I will stay in and watch a crime documentary together.

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You shed 2st in 2014. Do you feel body-confident?

Definitely. If I’ve learned anything it’s that it’s never too late to turn your life around.

I’m really proud that I lost the weight through hard work and I’ve managed to maintain it.

I don’t post bikini shots on social media of myself at the age of 59 thinking: “Hey, look at me!” But I’m a size 12 and don’t think I look that bad for an old bird.

Your eldest son Matt, 28, is the lead singer in rock group The 1975. Do you have to bat off crazy groupies?

I get messages every day from women all over the world saying they want to marry Matt and for me to be their mother-in-law!

I’m hugely proud of the young man Matthew is. He made an impassioned speech on stage in Detroit the night of the Manchester tragedy.

I’m so touched by the way he sees the world.

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You had a tough time in the Celebrity Big Brother house in 2012 – do you regret going on the show?

It was the wrong decision. I’m very grateful to the people who voted to keep me in the house, but it was a traumatic time for me.

I was in a bad place in my life. I’d not come across many bullies before that, so to be surrounded by them aged 53 wasn’t nice.

In hindsight, the experience was a catalyst to turning my life around, but I would have preferred a less dramatic wake-up call.

Would you prefer life out of the public eye?

There are some aspects about being in the limelight that have had a hugely detrimental effect – the scrutiny can be intense.

But at the same time, I’m thrilled that it’s given me a voice to speak out on issues I’m passionate about – plus, I like getting a nice table at posh London restaurant The Ivy!

I get fed up with people thinking there’s an easy way into this fame malarkey. Fame is a by-product of becoming successful at something.

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If you had £1million, what would you spend it on?
I’d make sure my family were well looked after, and then I’d buy the Shady Pines rest home in Beverly Hills.

I’d fly all my girlfriends over there so we could live out our days together.

Denise is starring in .