Denise Welch can rely on her loving husband Lincoln Townley for support, but the actress has said that the kind of mental breakdown she suffered can lead to some people becoming homeless. Denise, who was speaking at an event for homeless charity Centrepoint, of which Prince William is patron, opened up about her past struggles. She said that we are all at risk of losing everything, but that homeless people are most vulnerable. "For many homeless people, their breakdowns are untreated, and their lives fall apart," Denise told Best magazine. "It can happen to anybody."
The Coronation Street icon has been frank about the problems she's faced in the past, which include depression, alcoholism and drug abuse. Her ill mental health was exacerbated after the birth of her first child Matthew, who she shares with ex-husband Tim Healy, in 1989. Denise and the couple's younger son Louis are set to star in Black Eyed Susan, a short film based on the actress' battle with depression.
© Photo: Getty ImagesDenise Welch and her husband Lincoln Townley attended a Centrepoint event
Denise recently admitted that her most recent mental collapse happened at the end of last year, and lasted for three days. Recalling the "terrible blackness", the former Benidorm star said: "I no longer compound my illness with alcohol – I won that battle five years ago – but I still have episodes."
The screen-star married her third husband Lincoln in 2013. The former PR manager is now a celebrity artist who has also been hailed as the "new Andy Warhol" by one of his greatest fans, Sir Michael Caine. Last year Denise spoke to HELLO! about their marriage, saying: "We were party animals, two people in a mess, when we first met. My marriage was in freefall and I was drinking too much. Being with Lincoln could have been the most explosive disaster, but it went the opposite way. We've been each other's anchor."
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe actress has been frank about her mental illness problems
Exclusive: Denise and Lincoln open up about marriage
Of their 15-year age-gap, Denise shrugged, saying: "Lincoln keeps me young and his enthusiasm rubs off into my world. Some people joke that I've married my carer. But who knows what the future holds. Lincoln has always preferred older women anyway." Lincoln added: "We encouraged one another to pursue what matters most. As a couple we have positive energy constantly flowing through us. I've never met or loved anyone as much as I love Denise."
