Denise Welch has made a vibrant return to music with her new festive single titled Slayyy Bells, released in collaboration with Celebrations chocolate. The track, which features a lively hyper-pop sound, showcases Welch’s unique talent as she embraces the holiday spirit in an extravagant music video shot during her vacation in Los Angeles.
The 67-year-old star, known for her roles on Loose Women and Coronation Street, is not just aiming for a spot on the charts but also to entertain her family. “I was thinking about what my kids would think,” Welch shared in an interview with Metro. “Because embarrassing your kids is one of life’s great joys. It’s why we have them, let’s be honest.”
Welch opens the song with the line, “Listen up huns,” declaring a festive twist for this year. Slayyy Bells is described as chaotic and camp, reflecting her family traditions, including the unique practice of having their main Christmas meal on Christmas Eve. “We lost my mum 13 years ago, but we always had dinner and still do on Christmas Eve,” she said. “We never knew why, but it really, really works.”
She humorously noted that the Christmas Eve dinner tradition is Scandinavian, quipping that her late mother “had never been as far as Norway.” Welch emphasized the practicality of this tradition, stating that it allows families to enjoy Christmas Day without the hassle of cooking. “Nobody is slaving over a hot stove,” she remarked, although she mentioned that her ex-husband, Tim Healy, and her current husband, Lincoln, still prepare festive meals.
Welch’s family plays a significant role in her life, and she finds joy in sharing moments with her son, Matty Healy, frontman of the band The 1975. He humorously commented “lol” on her new music video, highlighting their playful relationship. Despite her son’s connections in the music industry, Welch jokingly noted that none of his famous friends have invited her into the studio yet.
This release marks a new chapter for Welch, who considers herself in a “third act” of her career. “I’m enjoying it because I really am seeing this as a sort of third act,” she stated, expressing excitement about returning to her acting roots while embracing her evolving image as a fashion icon.
Her previous foray into music peaked at number 23 in the UK charts in 1995 with the song “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me.” Reflecting on her new single, she explained that Celebrations sought to break the mold with a fresh campaign, and she was flattered to be approached for the project.
Welch’s vibrant personality shines through in her recent appearances, including her role as a correspondent at the GQ Man of the Year awards, where she donned a chic leather outfit. “It’s quite funny being this ageing fashionista at my age,” she remarked, acknowledging that she is still learning about high fashion.
Her popularity extends beyond the UK, as she recently experienced unexpected recognition while visiting Tallinn, Estonia. During a tour, a local expressed surprise at meeting her, indicating that her role in the series Waterloo Road had made her a familiar face there.
Looking ahead, Welch has plans for the upcoming year, including a comedy titled Stepping Up and a return to Waterloo Road. As her son prepares to marry Gabbriette Bechtel, she anticipates stepping into the role of a fashionable mother of the groom. “I feel that there’s a lot of pressure on me to perform fashion-wise,” she admitted, hinting at her growing status in the fashion world.
With a potential hit on her hands and a blossoming fashion career, Denise Welch is certainly not slowing down. “Always leave them wanting more,” she concluded, encapsulating her vibrant spirit as she embraces new opportunities in her life and career.
Welch’s festive anthem, Slayyy Bells, is now available for streaming, promising to bring joy and laughter to the holiday season.
