EastEnders star Diane Parish has teased the soap’s public vote twist that’s set to be a major part of the 40th anniversary celebrations.

Parish’s character Denise Fox is currently torn between dependable Jack Branning and bad boy Ravi Gulati. Viewers will get to choose who she ends up with, with the result being revealed during the live episode (details on when and how to vote have just been confirmed).

“I love that the viewers are voting on Denise’s choice between two men, not the blokes’ choice,” Parish said.

“I was shocked when I found out, but I knew I was blessed to tell this story with two amazing actors, Scott Maslen and Aaron Thiara. It’s going to be so interesting as I click with both of them in different ways.

“The viewers’ choice is all about where the story goes next and what will make for great viewing. This is EastEnders, and we want to give you the drama. With this story, we’ll give it to you in spades!”

In the lead-up to the anniversary week, scenes set to air in the next few days will see Denise confront Ravi about his criminal activities, and Jack comes to her rescue in a pinch.

“Denise is angry because Ravi has tried to convince her that he’s a better person, and she sees that promise in him, but she walks in to hear him on the phone and realises he’s still doing this behind her back,” she said.

“It irritates her and she begins to wonder if he’s the right man for her… she looks at [Jack] who wants to take care of her and who is always there for her, no matter what and how much they fall out…

“She wonders what she’s doing and why she’s still being drawn back to Ravi. At that moment, she looks at Jack and thinks, ‘This is what I want.'”

It won’t be long before she ends up hooking up with Ravi again though, and this time their secret will be revealed.

She explained: “It happens on the street, in front of absolutely everybody, all the Panesars and all the Fox-Trueman-Brannings.

“The main thought in Denise’s mind is, ‘What have I done to my daughter?’. Yes, it’s embarrassing and humiliating, and everyone can see them, but she mostly cares about Chelsea. For her daughter to find out that way is the worst-case scenario.

“She also thinks, ‘Oh God, what have I done to Jack’ and Scott Maslen plays the devastation on Jack’s face so beautifully.”