Denise Welch thanks friends for support

Denise Welch has thanked her friends for the support they've shown her over the past few days.

The 'Loose Women' panellist has seen her twitter flooded with "vile" messages from her army of followers after she announced her 24-year marriage to Tim Healy was over, and Denise admits she wouldn't have been able to get through it if it wasn't for her pals.

She tweeted: "Hanging on in there with support of lovely friends xx. (sic)"

Denise was forced to notify police earlier this week of the messages sent to her and she singled out one follower in particular, who had told the former 'Coronation Street' actress to slit her wrists.

She wrote to user @allymoney1: "By the way, my work have reported you to the police and they've traced you. Have a good day. (sic)"

Denise - who chose to reveal her marriage to the 'Benidorm' actor ended "some time ago" after being accused of having an affair - explained police have traced those responsible for the abuse.

The 53-year-old star said: "It's a shame that just a few horrible and evil faceless tweeters write such vile things. I'm made of stern stuff so I will be fine."