Denise Welch

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For the British racing driver and businessman, see Denis Welch.

Denise Welch
Welch in 2011
Born
Jacqueline Denise Welch

(1958-05-22) 22 May 1958 (age 65)
Tynemouth, Northumberland, England
Occupations
  • Actress
  • television personality
  • writer
Years active1981–present
Employers
Spouses
​
​
(m. 1983; div. 1988)​
​
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(m. 1988; div. 2012)​
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(m. 2013)​
Children2, including Matty Healy

Jacqueline Denise Welch (born 22 May 1958) is an English actress, television personality, writer and broadcaster.[1] Her roles include Natalie Barnes in Coronation Street (1997–2000), Steph Haydock in Waterloo Road (2006–2010), and Trish Minniver in Hollyoaks (2021–2022). Welch also appears as a regular panellist on the ITV chat show Loose Women (2005–2013, 2018–present).

Welch's other acting roles include the television dramas Spender (1991–1993), Soldier Soldier (1993–1995), and Down to Earth (2004–2005). In 2011, she was a contestant on the sixth series of Dancing on Ice, where she was partnered with professional skater Matt Evers. In 2012, Welch won the ninth series of Celebrity Big Brother.

Early life

Jacqueline Denise Welch was born in Tynemouth, Northumberland on 22 May 1958.[2] She has a younger sister, Debbie.[3][4] Welch attended Bygate School in Whitley Bay, and La Sagesse School in Newcastle upon Tyne,[5] before moving to Ebchester, County Durham at the age of 13, where she attended Blackfyne Grammar School in Consett and passed five GCE exams.[2][6][7][8] She developed a penchant for acting at the age of 14 after being cast in a school production of Finian's Rainbow. At the age of 17, she contemplated going to a teacher training college in Crewe;[2] however, her father and her drama teacher suggested she apply for the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London. Welch was successful in her application, and graduated in 1979, gaining her Equity Card while teaching dance at the Watford Palace Theatre.[4][6]

Career

Acting

Welch became an actress straight after leaving school, aged 12.[4] She performed on stage in London in Yakkety-Yak with the McGann brothers at the Astoria Theatre in 1983, and later joined the Live Theatre Company, Newcastle, where she featured in many productions, including There's a Girl in My Soup, and an Alan Ayckbourn quartet of plays, including Bedroom Farce. She also played the role of Sandy in the musical Grease at the Haymarket Theatre, Leicester, in 1984.[6]

Her first television appearance was in the Tyne Tees Television production Barriers in 1981.[6] A few years later, she appeared in ITV's hit drama Auf Wiedersehen, Pet (1986), following this with roles in the children's television show Byker Grove (1990–1991), A Kind of Living (1988), the Catherine Cookson adaptation The Glass Virgin (1995), and appearing opposite Jimmy Nail in BBC's Spender (1991–1993).[4]

In 1993, Welch became a household name when she was cast as Marsha Stubbs in ITV's drama series Soldier Soldier. Owing to her success in the series, she released a double-A side single in 1995, coupling "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me" (a cover of the Dusty Springfield hit) with "Cry Me a River" (a standard popularised by Julie London), which reached number 23 in the UK Singles Chart.[6]

Welch gained even wider notability in 1997, when she was cast as Natalie Horrocks in the long-running ITV soap opera Coronation Street.[4] Natalie was introduced as a divorcee who soon became the mistress of Kevin Webster (played by Michael Le Vell), the husband of Sally Webster. Kevin and Sally were one of the show's longest-running couples, and had two children.[9] Originally portrayed as a femme fatale, Natalie rose to respectability by becoming landlady of the soap's famous public house, The Rovers Return.[10] In 2000, the Coronation Street producers wanted Welch to perform a storyline involving Natalie having a miscarriage, but she refused, saying that the character had already lost her husband and son. However, Welch, who was expecting a baby the same year, decided to leave the serial. At the time, Welch commented, "I am looking forward to being a mum again and spending some time with my baby and am relishing the prospect of new challenges in my career." A spokesperson for Granada TV commented, "The character [Natalie] will be gone as she moves to somewhere new, we wish Denise well both for the birth of her baby and for her future career."[11]

In 2002, Welch guest-starred in ITV's Where the Heart Is, and the BBC's hospital drama Holby City, playing risk manager Pam McGrath, who conducted an on-screen relationship with the character Mubbs Hussein (played by Ian Aspinall). She guest-starred twice in ITV's long-running police drama The Bill (in 1997 and 2006), and has also appeared in the BBC's Doctors (2004), Down to Earth (2004–2005) and Born and Bred (2002–2003). Welch starred (with second billing) in the British feature film The Jealous God (2005) and Hollyoaks: In the City (2006), amongst other appearances. From 2006 to 2010, she appeared as French teacher Steph Haydock in the successful BBC One school-based drama series Waterloo Road, and played Janet "Goldie" Gold in an episode called "Rogue" of the long-running medical drama series, Casualty, which aired on 2 July 2011.[12][13]

Welch originally won the role of Frances Myers in Bad Girls, but ended up declining it owing to illness at the time; her future Waterloo Road co-star Eva Pope received the part instead.[14][15] Welch left Waterloo Road without intending to return for Series six, but eventually decided to come back for episodes nine and ten.[16][17]

Via the BenidormTweets Twitter feed, it was revealed that Welch would have a part in Series 4 of Benidorm.[18] She played the part of 'Scary' Mary, alongside her then-husband, Tim Healy.[19] In the episode of Benidorm, she ends up engaging in a fight with Sheila Reid's Madge.

In 2012, Welch played Truvy in the touring production of Steel Magnolias.[20] The following year, she played the part of Catherine Robinson in Richard Bean's Smack Family Robinson at the Rose Theatre in Kingston.[21]

On 25 March 2016, it was announced that Welch would guest star in EastEnders as Alison Slater, the estranged mother of Kyle Slater (Riley Carter Millington) and secret stepmother of Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner). Of her casting, Welch stated: "I'm so thrilled to be part of such an iconic show; it's so exciting! I have several friends on the show and it's a great crowd so I can't wait to get started. It's a short stint but such a powerful role and I'm thrilled to be taking this on."[22] Welch made her initial appearance as Alison on 3 May 2016, with fans praising her performance and insisting she was given a permanent role in the soap.[23]

In 2017, Welch appeared as Valerie in the romantic comedy film Finding Fatimah.[24] Welch starred in Black Eyed Susan, alongside son Louis, a short film which details Welch's own experience with depression.[25] The film won the Best Drama Award at that year's Silicon Beach Film Awards.[26]

In January 2018, it was announced that Welch would play Celia in the UK touring production of Calendar Girls: The Musical.[27]

In May 2020, Welch appeared as Doll Belvedere in the online series Dun Breedin, written by and starring Julie Graham alongside Angela Griffin, Alison Newman, Tracy-Ann Oberman and Tamzin Outhwaite in leading roles. Due to the lockdown imposed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Welch's scenes were filmed in her own home, and the series also starred her husband, Lincoln Townley, as Doll's husband Zoot.[28][29]

In 2023, Welch played the late Queen Elizabeth II in Diana: The Musical.[30]

Presenting and personal appearances

Welch has presented numerous television shows, and also appeared in a series of SCS adverts promoting soft furnishings. She hosted her own DIY series The Real DIY Show in 2000 and Soap Fever for ITV2. In 2001, she appeared on Lily Savage's Blankety Blank.[31] Since 2005, she has been a regular panellist on ITV's topical lunchtime chat show Loose Women. In 1999, she appeared as Petula Clark in ITV's celebrity singing contest Stars in Their Eyes.[32][33]

She was the subject of This Is Your Life in 1999, when she was surprised by Michael Aspel at Piccadilly Station in Manchester.[34]

In 2008, Welch appeared on a celebrity version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire along with Falklands War hero Simon Weston. In 2009, Welch took over as narrator of the revamped series of 10 Years Younger, for Channel 4. She also participated in Playing the Part, a documentary on BBC One on 21 May 2009, in which she went back to her old secondary school, Consett Community Sports College, and taught there for a week.[35]

Welch shows her support for the children's charity, Children North East which is based in Newcastle, by making appearances at events and supporting community-based projects. In April 2010, Welch appeared with her husband Tim on ITV's All Star Mr & Mrs and donated their runner-up prize of £5,000 to Children North East. She also appears in the biannual benefit concert Sunday for Sammy, recently parodying the show Loose Women as "Slack Lasses".[36]

Welch guest presented the ITV Breakfast programme Lorraine in November 2010. Beginning on 9 January 2011, Welch participated in the sixth series of Dancing on Ice on ITV with her skating partner, American professional ice skater Matt Evers, who partnered Zöe Salmon and Heather Mills in previous series. On the eighth week of the show, which was broadcast on 6 March 2011, she and Evers were the seventh couple to be voted out of the competition after losing the skate-off to army soldier, Johnson Beharry.[37]

In January 2012, Welch was a housemate in Celebrity Big Brother on Channel 5 in the UK. She went on to win the series, beating Frankie Cocozza in the final.[38]

In 2013, she participated in the ITV dancing show Stepping Out with husband Lincoln Townley.[39]

It is believed that Welch "walked out" of Loose Women in October 2013 due to differences with the new director of ITV, Helen Warner.[40] She returned to the show in June 2018.[41]

She appeared on the 2013 Christmas special of Through the Keyhole, hosted by Keith Lemon.[42]

In early September 2020, Welch appeared on This Morning claiming in her interview with Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford that the media and the authorities are "fear-mongering" over the COVID-19 pandemic.[43] She had a disagreement on Twitter with Piers Morgan over COVID-19 infection rates. Morgan called her "deluded" and "dangerous" after her appearance on This Morning.[44]

Personal life

Welch resides in Wilmslow, Cheshire.[45][46] Her first marriage was to actor David Easter, from 1983 until their divorce in 1988; Welch has since gone public with her belief that he committed adultery.[47] Welch met Tim Healy while they were working together for Newcastle's Live Theatre Company. They married in Haringey, London, in 1988 and have two sons: Matty Healy (born 8 April 1989, Hendon, London), who is a member of the alternative rock band The 1975, and Louis Vincent (born 2 March 2001, Salford), who is an actor.[4]

Welch announced, live on Loose Women on 6 February 2012, that she and Healy were separated and that they had been for a long time. Shortly after that, Welch announced that she was dating her PR manager, Lincoln Townley. In August 2012, it was revealed that she and Townley were engaged.[48] On 13 July 2013, they married in Portugal.[49][50]

Welch confessed that her marriage was nearly ruined because of her mental illness, as well as an affair she had during her depression. With the help of her former Coronation Street co-star Kevin Kennedy, she attended Alcoholics Anonymous and suggests this helped her end her dependency on alcohol. In April 2010, her 320-page autobiography Pulling Myself Together was published, in which she describes how she overcame her problems with alcohol, drugs and depression. It became a best-seller in the UK.[2]

In a February 2015 interview, she said that she felt "freer from my mental health issues in my 50s than I did in my 30s and 40s".[51] In April 2017, Welch announced her backing of Women's Equality Party candidate Tabitha Morton in the Liverpool City Region mayoral election.[52][53]

Filmography

Film
Year Title Role Notes
2005 The Jealous God Maureen Supporting role
2008 Sunday for Sammy Slack Lass
2009 A Bit of Tom Jones? Delilah
2017 Finding Fatimah Valerie Main role
Black Eyed Susan The Woman Short film
2019 Burning Men Julie Supporting role
2020 Love Sarah Elizabeth Main role
Television
Year Title Role Notes
1982 Barriers Janet Tompkinson Series 2: Episode 4
1986 Auf Wiedersehen, Pet Jean Episode: "Marjorie Doesn't Live Here Anymore"
1988 A Kind of Living Jane Series 2: Episode 6
1989 And a Nightingale Sang Girl at Dance Television film
1990–1991 Byker Grove Polly Bell Recurring role; 7 episodes
1991–1993 Spender Frances Spender Main role; 14 episodes
1991 New Voices Unknown Episode: "The Godmother"
1993–1995 Soldier Soldier Marsha Stubbs Main role; 26 episodes
1993 Harry Valerie Series 1: Episode 4
Come Snow, Come Blow Unknown Television film
1995 The Glass Virgin Jessie Miniseries; 2 episodes
1997 The Bill Sheila Hayman Episode: "Breaking Up"
1997–2000 Coronation Street Natalie Barnes Regular role; 489 episodes
1997 See You Friday Vanessa All 6 episodes
2002 The Vice Clara King Episode: "No Man's Land"
Breeze Block Policewoman Episode: "Saturday, Sinday"
2002–2003 Born and Bred Edie McClure Episodes: "Nothing Like the Son" and "Fertility Rites"
2002 Holby City Pam McGrath Recurring role; 5 episodes
Where the Heart Is Linda Sargent Episode: "Extra Time"
2003 The Afternoon Play Carol Haye Episode: "Turkish Delight"
2004–2005 Down to Earth Jackie Murphy Main role; 18 episodes
2004 Doctors Jane Howard Episodes: "Two Can Play: Parts 1 & 2"
2006–2010 Waterloo Road Steph Haydock Regular role; 79 episodes
2006 The Bill Elaine Wallace Episode: "Better the Devil You Know"
Hollyoaks: In the City D.C.I. Fisher 2 episodes
2011 Benidorm "Scary" Mary Series 4: Episode 1
Casualty Janet "Goldie" Gold Episode: "Rogue"
Bloody Norah Mum Television film
2012 Loserville Susan Lewis
2015 Doctors Judith Whitney Episode: "Oh What a Tangled Web..."
Inspector George Gently Susan Episode: "Gently with the Women"
2015–2016 Boy Meets Girl Pam McDonald All 12 episodes
Holby City Linda Bradshaw Episodes: "Cover Story" and "A Friend in Need"
2016 EastEnders Alison Slater Episode 5276
Doctors Denise Brown Episode: "A Christmas Treat"
2018 Different for Girls Maeve Episode: "The whole story"
2020 Class Dismissed Pam Travers Episodes: "Snake!" and "Key Stage 3 Rules"
Dun Breedin Doll Belvedere Online series; all 9 webisodes
2021–2022 Hollyoaks Trish Minniver Regular role; 95 episodes
2022 Dead Canny Angela Episode: "Pilot"
As herself
Year Title Role Notes
1999 Celebrity Stars in Their Eyes Herself Contestant
Soap Fever Presenter
2000–2002, 2005–2013, 2018–present Loose Women Regular panellist Guest (2000)
Guest panellist (2001–2002)
Relief presenter (2006–2010, 2012)
2000 The Real DIY show Herself Presenter
2008 Who Wants to be a Millionaire Contestant
2009 10 Years Younger Narrator
Playing the Part Participant
2010 All Star Mr & Mrs Contestant
Lorraine Guest presenter
2011 Dancing on Ice Contestant
2012 Celebrity Big Brother Housemate Winner
Piers Morgan's Life Stories Herself Guest
The Chase: Celebrity Special Contestant
2013 Tipping Point: Lucky Stars Contestant
Stepping Out
Through the Christmas Keyhole Celebrity Homeowner
The Cube: Celebrity Special Contestant

Theatre credits

Year Title Role Notes
1983 Yakkety-Yak Rita Astoria Theatre
1984 Grease Sandy Haymarket Theatre
1985 There’s a Girl in My Soup Claire Live Theatre, Newcastle
1986 Bedroom Farce Delia
1995 Shooting the Legend Various Theatre Royal, Newcastle
2001–2002 Jack and the Beanstalk Fairy
2004–2005 Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Wicked Queen Stockport Plaza
2006–2007 Cinderella Fairy Darlington Civic
2012–2013 Royal & Derngate, Northampton
2017 The Wind in the Willows Mrs Otter London Palladium
2017–2018 Jack and the Beanstalk Fairy Times Square, Newcastle
2018–2019 Calendar Girls Celia UK tour

Written works

Memoirs

  • Pulling Myself Together (Pan, 2010) ISBN 9780330513012
  • Starting Over (Pan, 2012) ISBN 9781447222484
  • The Unwelcome Visitor (Hodder and Stoughton, 2020) ISBN 9780330513012

Novels

See also

References

  1. ^ Hellomagazine.com. "Denise Welch. Biography, news, photos and videos". hellomagazine.com. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d Welch, Denise (2010). Pulling myself together. London: Sidgwick & Jackson. ISBN 9780283071089.
  3. ^ England & Wales, Birth Index: 1837–1983; June 1958, p.377
  4. ^ a b c d e f Staff writer (31 December 2006). "Ask: Denise Welch". Evening Chronicle. Newcastle. Retrieved 13 February 2008.
  5. ^ "La Sagesse to close this summer". The Chronicle. 27 March 2008. Retrieved 25 March 2018.
  6. ^ a b c d e Staff writer (15 October 2006). "100 North East Heroes". Evening Chronicle. Newcastle. Retrieved 13 February 2008.
  7. ^ O'Donovan, Gerard (20 May 2009). "The One to Watch: Thursday 21 May". The Telegraph. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
  8. ^ Walsh, John (24 May 2009). "Playing the Part, BBC1". The Independent. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
  9. ^ "Sally Webster". www.corrie.net. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  10. ^ "Natalie Barnes". www.corrie.net. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  11. ^ Staff writer (20 September 2000). "Natalie to leave the Street". BBC News. Archived from the original on 2 February 2008. Retrieved 13 February 2008.
  12. ^ "BBC One - Casualty, Series 25, Rogue". BBC. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  13. ^ Reilly, Elaine (22 April 2015). "Denise Welch: 'After playing a brothel madam I'm dying to wear a bonnet! | News | TV News". What's on TV. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  14. ^ Barr, Gordon (4 March 2003). "Denise is happy to become a Bad Girl". ChronicleLive. Retrieved 18 May 2021.[permanent dead link]
  15. ^ Mirror.co.uk (15 November 2006). "EVA POPE: I'M GETTING A BIT OLD FOR RAUNCHY SEX SCENES". mirror. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  16. ^ Kadri, Anisa (8 August 2009). "Denise Welch quits 'Waterloo Road'". Digital Spy. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  17. ^ O'Sullivan, Kyle (14 October 2020). "Where Waterloo Road cast are now - Hollyoaks rapist and shamed by Simon Cowell". mirror. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  18. ^ "TV Choice Awards Update: Best Actress - Denise Welsh!". twitter.com. Twitter. 6 September 2010. Retrieved 6 September 2010.
  19. ^ "Benidorm Series 4, Episode 1". British Comedy Guide. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  20. ^ "Steel Magnolias - UK tour". davidianproductions.com. David Ian Productions. November 2011. Archived from the original on 18 May 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  21. ^ "Richard Bean's Smack Family Robinson". rosetheatrekingston.org. Rose Theatre, Kingston. 2013.
  22. ^ EastEnders news team (25 March 2016). "Denise Welch to guest star in EastEnders". EastEnders News & Spoilers. BBC. Retrieved 11 April 2016.
  23. ^ Agius, Nicola (3 May 2016). "EastEnders fans demand Denise Welch is made permanent after powerful debut". Mirror. Archived from the original on 6 May 2016. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  24. ^ "Finding Fatimah official website". Retrieved 3 February 2017.
  25. ^ Percival, Ash (22 November 2017). "Denise Welch Exclusively Premieres Her Mental Health Short Film, 'Black Eyed Susan'". Huffington Post. Retrieved 17 September 2022.
  26. ^ Hodgson, Barbara (29 April 2017). "Denise Welch's depression film wins best drama award at American film festival". Chronicle Live. Retrieved 17 September 2022.
  27. ^ Bourne, Dianne (19 January 2018). "Denise Welch strips off to star in Gary Barlow's Calendar Girls musical". men. Retrieved 19 January 2018.
  28. ^ Meechan, Simon (22 April 2020). "Denise Welch hopes new show will trigger 'groundbreaking' menopause discussion". ChronicleLive. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  29. ^ "Dun Breedin' cast and crew credits". British Comedy Guide. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  30. ^ Govan, Chloe (5 December 2023). "Denise Welch's unrecognisable transformation into Elizabeth II for Diana musical". Express.co.uk. Retrieved 5 December 2023.
  31. ^ "Series 1, Episode 5". Lily Savage's Blankety Blank. 4 February 2016. ITV. Repeated 24 August 2016 on Challenge TV.
  32. ^ "20 Celebrities You Forgot Had Appeared On 'Stars In Their Eyes'". HuffPost UK. 15 March 2017. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  33. ^ Fitzpatrick, Katie (31 May 2018). "Stars In Their Eyes is making a comeback with original host Matthew Kelly". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  34. ^ Delaney, Zoey (2 January 2023). "Matty Healy unrecognisable in childhood TV appearance with Denise Welch and Tim Healy". Daily Mirror. Reach plc. Retrieved 12 January 2024.
  35. ^ "Review: Playing the Part". Sky.com. 21 May 2009. Archived from the original on 22 May 2009. Retrieved 21 May 2009.
  36. ^ Duke, Simon (16 June 2020). "Denise Welch fuming as ex-husband Tim Healy has dig at daytime TV". ChronicleLive. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  37. ^ Mirror.co.uk (7 March 2011). "Denise Welch's husband storms Dancing On Ice to confront Jason Gardiner - video". mirror. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  38. ^ Staff writer (28 January 2012). "Denise Welch wins Celebrity Big Brother 2012". Evening Chronicle. Newcastle. Retrieved 29 April 2012.
  39. ^ Deen, Sarah (7 September 2013). "Denise and Lincoln step out of Stepping Out". Metro. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  40. ^ Wonfor, Sam (7 October 2013). "Denise Welch quits Loose Women TV show". Evening Chronicle. Newcastle.
  41. ^ Davies, Megan (4 August 2018). "Denise Welch discusses "weird" return to Loose Women". Digital Spy. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  42. ^ "Through The Keyhole Series 1 - Through The Christmas Keyhole". British Comedy Guide. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  43. ^ "Denise Welch accuses the media of 'fear-mongering' during coronavirus crisis". ITV. 4 September 2020. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  44. ^ "Piers Morgan calls Denise Welch 'dangerous' after controversial coronavirus interview on This Morning". The Independent. 4 September 2020. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
  45. ^ Loose Women, 23 April 2013
  46. ^ "Denise Welch home: Loose Women star's quiet life in Cheshire town - prices average £508k | Express.co.uk". www.express.co.uk. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
  47. ^ Staff writer (3 December 2001). "Denise's TV 'date' with her ex". Northern Echo. Retrieved 15 May 2007.
  48. ^ WENN (18 August 2012). "Denise Welch gets engaged to toyboy lover Lincoln Townley". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 29 June 2013.
  49. ^ Wonfor, Sam (15 July 2013). "Denise Welch marries Lincoln Townley in Portugal". ChronicleLive. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  50. ^ Wright, Simon (14 July 2013). "Stars turn out in force as Loose Women's Denise Welch marries toyboy lover". Daily Record. Retrieved 18 May 2021.
  51. ^ Fagan, Gabrielle (5 February 2015). "Denise Welch: "I feel freer from my mental health issues in my 50s"". Time To Talk day.
  52. ^ "Why Denise Welch is backing us". womensequality.org.uk. Women's Equality Party. 21 April 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2017.
  53. ^ Bourdillon, Roxy (21 April 2017). "DIVA Ally of the Year Denise Welch backs WEP's Tabitha Morton". DIVA. Retrieved 22 April 2017.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Denise Welch.
Preceded by Celebrity Big Brother UK Winner
Series 9 (2012) 		Succeeded by
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