Very EMOTIONAL News!!! EastEnders to pay tribute to iconic character in special night of episodes

EastEnders is set to pay tribute to one of Walford’s most iconic residents next week with a night of special episodes. Denise Fox has been a staple of the soap for 20 years, and has been at the centre of many memorable storylines.

Among them have been the exposure of killer husband Lucas Johnson, her part of The Six storyline in 2023, and the love triangle with Jack Branning and Ravi Gulati last year.

These are among the key episodes set to be repeated on Monday, 11 May on BBC Three, the date that marks exactly two decades since Diane Parish debuted as Denise.

Airing between 8 and 11pm, the eps will be followed by the EastEnders Investigates: The Manosphere documentary from last year, which Diane presents and explores the real-life issues raised by the Joel Marshall misogyny storyline.

The doc sees the cast “meet individuals whose lives were turned upside down by the effects of misogyny and discover those who are trying to change the narrative”.

As mentioned, one of Denise’s key recent storylines was the love triangle, the outcome of which was determined by a viewer vote as the character ultimately chose Jack.

Speaking after the episode, Diane told TV Times: “It was definitely the choice I thought viewers would make. For whatever reason, they ended up making a big story choice, because it now branches off into all different areas.”

Recalling Ravi actor Aaron Thiara’s reaction to his character’s rejection, she added: “I don’t think he’s gutted! When it was first suggested about Denise and Ravi [getting together], I was like, ‘Do what?!’, because he’s considerably younger than I am!

“But as an actor, I’d struggle to discover a more mature, insightful, generous and emotionally-intelligent actor than Aaron. He was exciting to work with, and he takes things in his stride. He’s chilled, and pleased in terms of it being Scott Maslen [who plays Jack]. It’s all good!”