Threadbare Laurel

I have recently removed a LOT of ivy from a large laurel hedge and am now left with a very threadbare skeleton. Will the leaves of the laurel grow back in all the right places, or do I need to prune it to stimulate growth?

I'd hack it right back or it will never be thick again. Down to its ankles

It has a very good root system by now so probably won't take long to regrow.

Laurels can stand hard pruning, so if you don't mind it being cut down temporarily it will grow back all glossy and new.