Denise Welch, a familiar face from television and the stage, has unexpectedly launched a vibrant, hyper-pop Christmas anthem titled “Slayyy Bells.” This isn’t your grandmother’s festive tune; it’s a bold, disruptive track created in collaboration with Celebrations chocolate, and it’s turning heads.
The music video showcases a side of Welch rarely seen – clad in striking red leather and oversized sunglasses, she embodies a superstar diva. She readily admits the song was conceived, in part, to playfully embarrass her children, a self-proclaimed “great joy” of parenthood.
“Listen up huns,” Welch declares in the song’s opening, promising a Christmas celebration unlike any other. “Slayyy Bells” is a chaotic, campy, and surprisingly personal blend of festive cheer and family traditions, even vowing to “serve looks, not turkey.”
A touching element woven into the song is a tribute to her late mother. Welch explains the family’s tradition of celebrating Christmas Eve dinner originated with her mum, a custom they’ve continued for thirteen years, discovering its Scandinavian roots only recently.
The Christmas Eve tradition isn’t about elaborate cooking either. Welch laughs about how her ex-husband, Tim Healy, and current husband, Lincoln, take on the culinary duties, freeing everyone else to enjoy the festivities. Her sister even breaks her pescatarian diet for Tim’s legendary roast ham.
Family support is clearly paramount. Her son, Matty Healy of The 1975, offered a succinct “lol” in the music video comments, a testament to his amusement and acceptance of his mother’s latest venture.
Welch finds herself increasingly connected to the world of contemporary music, regularly encountering “cool” artists like Charli XCX through her son. She playfully jokes about waiting for an invitation to collaborate, confident her unique appeal will eventually win them over.
This isn’t Welch’s first foray into music; she previously reached number 23 in the UK charts in 1995. However, a Christmas song was never on her radar until Celebrations approached her with a desire to shake things up, recognizing her penchant for challenging the status quo.
Welch describes this moment as a “third act” in her career, fueled by a newfound confidence and a growing reputation as the “queen of the huns,” a title bestowed upon her by the popular Instagram account Love of Huns. She’s embracing this new era, particularly with a return to her acting roots.
Her recent appearance at the GQ awards, dressed in a fashion-forward leather ensemble, solidified her status as an unexpected style icon. She admits to knowing little about high fashion but is thoroughly enjoying the ride, embracing the change and the attention.
Remarkably, Welch has appeared in every British soap opera, a feat that has earned her a dedicated fanbase, even in unexpected corners of the world. During a cruise, she discovered she’s a beloved figure in Tallinn, Estonia, thanks to her role in *Waterloo Road*.
Looking ahead, Welch has exciting projects on the horizon, including a comedy role in *Stepping Up* and a return to *Waterloo Road*. And, of course, her son Matty’s upcoming wedding, though details remain closely guarded.
She’s already envisioning a show-stopping outfit for the wedding, acknowledging the pressure to deliver a fashion moment befitting her newfound status. Designers are already vying for the opportunity to dress her, and she expects her husband, Lincoln, to elevate his style game as well.
With a potential chart-topping single and a blossoming fashion following, Denise Welch shows no signs of slowing down. Her philosophy is simple: “Always leave them wanting more.”
