Coronation Street star Denise Black shared her past struggles in the entertainment industry, revealing that she faced criticism for her weight and disability early in her acting career. Known for her role as Denise Osbourne on the popular soap opera, Black disclosed that she had been deemed “too fat” and “too disabled” for television by certain industry professionals.

Despite earning a large following for her portrayal of Denise Osbourne, Black, now 67, recounted the challenges she faced due to her physical condition affecting her right arm. She expressed how comments about her appearance and abilities affected her self-esteem and confidence, leading to a constant pressure to conform to industry standards.

In a candid conversation with Kaye Adams on her podcast, Black disclosed instances where she was praised for her face but criticized for her body, highlighting the industry’s superficial standards. Reflecting on her journey, she acknowledged the impact of hiding her disability for years on screen, which contributed to physical deterioration.

Transitioning to her recent roles, including in Emmerdale and Waterloo Road, Black emphasized her evolving perspective on age and self-acceptance. She noted a shift in casting opportunities after embracing her natural hair color, acknowledging the industry’s biases towards older actresses and the limitations they face in securing diverse roles.

Revisiting her iconic characters and experiences in the entertainment industry, Black shared insights into the changing perceptions of disability and aging in showbiz. Despite the challenges she encountered, she embraced her uniqueness and urged for greater acceptance and celebration of individual differences.