DENISE WELCH DEBUTS AUBURN HAIR IN CHANNEL 5 CRIME DRAMA

Denise Welch has appeared in Channel 5's comedy crime drama Benidorm Is Murder with a short auburn hairstyle, a departure from her signature bleach-blonde pixie crop. Photographs posted on Channel 5's official Instagram show the actress in character as Ziggy, described as "the heart and soul of the Laughter Lounge". The episode featuring Welch is scheduled to broadcast on Thursday, 6 August. Channel 5 captioned the images: "First look at @denise_welch in Benidorm is Murder. Starring as Ziggy, the heart and soul of the Laughter Lounge... but behind the spotlight, trouble is brewing."

Welch spent three years on ITV's Coronation Street in the role of Natalie Barnes, departing 26 years ago. Since then, she has appeared in BBC's Waterloo Road, Channel 4's Tip Toe, and the drama Down to Earth, and has become established as a panellist on ITV's Loose Women. The new episode synopsis states: "At the Laughter Lounge, Frank Mann hosts faded game-show star Vince Starky, whose comeback could save debt-ridden owner Ziggy. When doorman Paco finds a rooftop corpse, Dennis uncovers suspicious clues and Rosa unearths grudges, debts, and secrets."

Social media responses to the photographs were positive, with viewers expressing enthusiasm for Welch's return to television during Loose Women's current hiatus. One viewer commented that the new look resembled Elsie Tanner. Several fans responded with messages of support, including "Cannot wait" and "Obsessed."