Denise Welch on Charli XCX’s wedding and her love for the lesbian community: ‘I love my lesbians’ (EXCLUSIVE)
"I love my lesbians — and my lesbians love my husband," says Welch as she reveals her husband has a lesbian band
By Aaron Sugg

Loose Women star Denise Welch was among the celebrity guests at the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards, powered by Jaguar tonight, where she spoke about her love for the lesbian community and shared what it was like attending Charli XCX’s wedding.
Taking on the role of Comedy Award presenter, the TV host stepped out in a chic Holland Cooper Saint Laurent ensemble paired with a classic Chanel bag, bringing glamour to the 14th anniversary celebration.
On the red carpet, Welch spoke candidly about her friendship with TikTok star and podcaster GK Barry, who joined the Loose Women panel in 2024. The two have since developed a close bond, with Welch even appearing on GK Barry’s sold-out UK tour.
“Why they call it a U-Haul the day after they meet” – Denise Welch on her curiosity about the lesbian community
“I recently filmed a podcast with her,” Welch revealed. “I was very curious to know – because I have several lesbian friends – why they call it a U-Haul the day after they meet. Why they have to move in together straight away!”
GK Barry, who is in a relationship with footballer Ella Rutherford, publicly confirmed the romance in August 2024.
Welch went on to share what she has learned from her lesbian friends over the years: “Lots of lesbians are late-life lesbians. It doesn’t mean they’ve had an unhappy life, but all they want is to be with the woman of their dreams,” she said warmly.
“They even have a band called Linkon and the Lesbians!” – Welch on her lesbian friends and her husband Lincoln Townley
The 67-year-old also spoke about her husband, British painter Lincoln Townley, whom she married in 2013. “I love my lesbians — and my lesbians love my husband,” she joked. “They even have a band called Linkon and the Lesbians!”
Recently, Welch was a guest at XCX’s wedding to The 1975’s George Daniel in Sicily, Italy, in September.
She was pictured alongside Alex Consani and her daughter-in-law Gabbriette, describing the star-studded affair as “possibly the best wedding I’ve ever been to – and I’ve had three myself.”
“My husband and I were in sober corner” – Welch on being sober for 13 years at Charli XCX’s wedding
Welch laughed about her viral appearance from the event, admitting it’s given her “some kind of increased iconic status.”
The actress, who has been sober for 13 years, reflected on the lively atmosphere: “My husband and I were in sober corner, but believe me – everybody else made up for it!”
Previously married to David Easter and Tim Healy, father of The 1975 frontman Matty Healy, who was also in attendance, and seen crowdsurfing.
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