Loose Women's Denise Welch has fans in disbelief over rare throwback photo

Denise Welch is known for her iconic bleach-blonde pixie crop, but her hair hasn't always been so statement-making.

The Loose Women star took to Instagram to share a photo of herself at 23, with her long hair swept up into a messy ponytail – a far cry from the look she's been sporting for decades.

"Photoshoot by my local paper in Newcastle to celebrate my first West End role," Denise captioned the photo, and the former Coronation Street actress' fans were quick to flood the post with praise, writing: "You're a gorgeous woman at any age!" and: "You've always been gorgeous."

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Many were in disbelief about how similar Denise still looks to her younger self. "Oh my! You've not changed, still as fabulous today," one wrote, while another commented: "Haven't changed a bit."

A third wrote: "Still look the same," while a fourth compared her to her rockstar son, Matty Healy of The 1975. "Wow, I see Matty so much in you here!"

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Denise has been missing her 33-year-old son, who is currently on a world tour. "I miss Matty so much when he's on a world tour even though we talk all the time," she wrote alongside a video of her son inviting a fan on stage in Thailand.

"He has your heart," commented Kate Thornton, while Matty's dad, Tim Healy wrote: "Big heart."

A fan praised Denise's parenting, writing: "You raised him right. He has such a kind soul!" while another cooed: "Matty is simply the number one! So kind and adorable, he is precious."

MORE DENISE: Denise Welch reveals health diagnosis: 'I'm exhausted' 

While her son is on the other side of the world, Denise has been suffering with her health, admitting she's been struggling with vertigo.

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Sharing a selfie on Instagram Stories, Denise wrote: "I'm really struggling with vertigo at the moment," before explaining she'd tried cryotherapy as a treatment for the condition - a procedure also loved by Carol Vorderman.

"It really worked and I unleased a few demons screaming with the cold," she admitted.

Benefits of cryotherapy include injury recovery and metabolism support, as well as decreased inflammation and improved circulation. A session in a cryotherapy chamber can also help to reduce toxins, support collagen production to maintain a youthful look and aid weight loss – making the chilly few minutes more than worth it! Cryotherapy can also help with reducing pain from arthritis and reduce migraine symptoms.

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