'Waterloo Road' star considered suicide

Waterloo Road star Denise Welch has spoken about her 18-year battle with clinical depression.

The actress, who plays Steph Haydock on the BBC One show, was first hit by the illness during her pregnancy with son Matthew. At her lowest points, Denise has contemplated suicide, but support from her loved ones has always stopped her from ending it all.

"I wouldn't be here today were it not for the incredible support and understanding of my family and friends," Denise explained on ITV1 show Loose Women. "They literally saved my life."

Welch's most recent bout of depression started when she was on holiday with her husband Tim Healy.

"I was sitting there in Portugal with a cup of tea when I could feel it start to happen," she said. "The blackness came back and was very intense."

Welch is currently undergoing a new hormone-based treatment at the Lister Hospital in Chelsea, west London.