Denise Welch stuns in Baywatch-inspired swimsuit in break from Loose Women panel

Loose Women panellist Denise Welch has been flooded with praise after posting a holiday snapshot of her in a Baywatch-inspired swimsuit.

Some branded the TV star the 'hottest pensioner ever' as she celebrated a 'bittersweet' milestone. Denise has been enjoying a break away from the UK and has been soaking up the sun during a cruise around the Mediterranean.

She has previously been seen in Rhodes, Greece, and looked fabulous as she marked her 66th birthday while aboard the cruise ship. Taking to Instagram, the TV star gave fans an insight into celebrations, as she danced on the deck of her lavish cruise room suite in a red swimsuit.

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As she channelled Baywatch, Denise shimmied in view of the camera and had a huge smile on her face as she said: "Today I celebrate becoming an 'old age pensioner' with a birthday boomerang!!! I'm 66!!! WTAF??!!!"

The video then shared pictures of the star's late mum as she explained why the day will always be 'bittersweet'. The former Coronation Street star continued: "But I'm grateful to have got this far!! It's taken a lot of ups and downs to get here but here I am and very happy."

"A wonderful marriage to @lincolntownley, 3 amazing sons, Matty, Louis and Lewis. My sister and my nieces and nephews. The Townleys. A grandson Theo and I've been free from clinical depression for 5 yrs!!!!"

"Of course May 22nd will always be bittersweet as it's 12 yrs today since Mum died. She would have been 88 this yr and believe me, she would still be wearing swimwear and looking fabulous!! I hope she'd be proud that I'm sober, still working hard in my chosen profession and still getting my t*ts oot for the lads!!! And lasses to be fair as I have to keep my lesbian friends happy!!! Happy birthday to me and miss you loads mama!! Love you."

The post was quickly flooded with birthday wishes and messages from her celebrity pals with Loose Women co-star Katie Piper kicking off by saying: "I wanna be Denise Welch when I grow up!!!! Happy birthday gorgeous lady." Andre McLean, who has confirmed her return to the ITV show, replied: "You're amazing Denz. It's great to see you so happy, you deserve it all. Happy birthday me old mucker!!"

Christine McGuinness commented: "Happy Birthday you beautiful soul." Coronation Street star Denise Welch said: "Happy Birthday gorgeous Den xxxx." And actress Hayley Tammadon added: "Happy birthday my gorgeous friend! You are AMAZING."

But Denise's fans and followers were also quick to respond to the post. @nic_pat24 said: "Have the happiest of birthdays. Have a great day. You look fab." @homeraknight commented: "Happy Birthday Beautiful...absolute goals." @fiona_mcc88 wrote: "Happy Birthday Denise! 66 never looked so good! Hope your enjoying your cruise, have the best day."

@theexecutivemenopausecoach replied: "Wow! You look amazing! Happy birthday lovely lady keep being your amazing self! Keeeeeep wiggling." @irenerobinson_1997 cheekily typed: "Wow 66 !!! Looking good for an old age pensioner. Happy birthday lovely lady!!" @caledoniankittyx added: "No way you are 66 Queen. Always stunning and red is def your colour. Happy Birthday."