Denise Outen was born on May 27, 1974, in Essex, England. The "Van" was later added to her name to make it sound more interesting. As a child, she demonstrated an interest in performing in public and seemed destined to become a celebrity of some sort.

Her parents later enrolled her in the renowned Sylvia Young Theatre School. As she grew into a young woman, Van Outen became exposed to the world of modelling and joined a litany of female stars in England who use the latter as a vehicle to launch a career in entertainment.

Her portfolio includes several rolls of racy shots, including nude and topless one. The exhibitionism has served Van Outen well in her quest for fame. After appearances on television in the UK, Van Outen was asked to join The Big Breakfast as a replacement. The show was a morning ratings hit in the UK (and later made a star of Kelly Broo), with a mix of interviews and comedy sketches. Van Outen soon became a popular staple on the show and with co-host Johnny Vaughan, formed a strong and visible television tandem.

However, in 1999, Van Outen was forced to leave the show for good, due in part to low ratings and interests in other endeavours.

Filmography
Royal Variety Performance 2001, The (2001) (TV) .... Performer
"Murder in Mind" (2001) TV Series .... Debra Squires
Love, Honour and Obey (2000) .... Maureen
Sing It Your Way (2000) (TV) .... Herself
"Prickly Heat" (1998) TV Series .... Hostess (2000- )
Tube Tales (1999) (TV) .... Alex (Segment Horny)
"Something for the Weekend" (1999) TV Series .... Herself
Jack and the Beanstalk (1998) (TV) .... Jill
Men for Sale (1998) (TV) .... Herself
"Babes in the Wood" (1998) TV Series .... Leigh Jackson
Audience with the Spice Girls, An (1997) (TV) .... Herself/Audience Member
"Big Breakfast, The" (1992) TV Series .... Main Presenter (1997-1999, 2000-2001)
"Kappatoo" (1990) TV Series (as Denise Outen) .... Tracy Cotton