Denise Welch shares heartbreaking grief over father's death—'I can't quite function'

Denise Welch has paid tribute to her beloved father, who died of pneumonia last night. 

The Loose Women panelist took to Instagram on Wednesday morning to share the devastating news that her "life force" father, Vin Welch, has passed away after falling ill with the bacterial infection. 

"After making a miraculous recovery recently from major surgeries, pneumonia plus his existing pulmonary fibrosis was more than even he could take," Denise wrote alongside a poignant photo of her hand clasping her father's. 

The English TV personality went on to admit that she's so "grief-stricken" by the loss of her dad that she "can't quite function." She then thanked the nurses at Durham University hospital, where Vin slipped away "surrounded by his family who could not have loved anyone more." 

Denise also shared some sweet memories of the 84-year-old, who was best known for his role as Bob Barnes in Coronation Street. 

"I’ve never seen anyone fight to stay longer at a party than dad and last night was no different," she said. "He loved life and lived it to the full like no other." 

The touching post drew an outpouring of sympathies from Denise's loyal fans and fellow TV stars, including Loose Women co-panelist Nadia Sawalha. 

"We are all devastated for you and yours Denise. Vin truly was one of a kind.
You and yours have cared for him so beautifully and he will have felt so very deeply loved. ‘Grief is the price we pay for love ‘💜 Big big hugs darling x," she wrote. 

TV presenter Kate Thornton also sent her condolences, writing, "I’m so desperately sorry. He was a life force. He twinkled and sparkled like no other and has left a Vn [sic] shaped hole in all our hearts Den. He was truly special." 

Denise had been looking after her father as his health declined over the past few months, revealing to Entertainment Daily in April that he had been suffering from severe digestive issues after a bad fall. 

"I think they're going to remove his gallbladder but we're just trying to keep his strength up until then but it's hard because he's got no appetite," she said. After a "10 week stint" in hospital and three operations over summer, Vin appeared to be on the mend. 

Sadly, Vin's condition took a drastic turn when he developed pneumonia during his recovery from surgery. His death will likely mark a massive loss for Denise, who regularly spent time with her father at both public and private gatherings.