Denise Fox has spent weeks battling extreme tiredness in EastEnders. And, after finally agreeing to medical tests, she has now received heartbreaking news.
The Walford favourite recently underwent a blood test after struggling with exhaustion, believing it was simply down to the demands of everyday life. Instead, doctors confirmed she has acute myeloid leukaemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer.
As Denise comes to terms with the life-changing diagnosis, viewers have been left wondering whether the storyline could signal an exit for the much-loved character.
Denise faces the fight of her life in EastEnders
Last month, Denise spoke to Sam and explained that she felt more tired than usual. She put the problem down to her age, but Sam didn’t seem convinced.
Sam expressed concern about Denise’s lack of energy, but Denise just brushed it off, pointing out she was busy like other mums who were juggling having kids and running a business.
However, last week we saw Denise undergo a bone marrow test, which then confirmed that she had cancer. Denise was told during an appointment that she attended alone, and today she escaped back to the salon where she tried to get her head around the diagnosis.
Yolande found Denise at the salon and quickly realised there was something seriously wrong. Eventually Denise opened up, and in a heartbreaking scene, she broke down in Yolande’s arms.
Yolande looked out for Denise in EastEnders
Yolande took Denise home, where she encouraged her to open up about how she was feeling. Denise put up barriers at first, but eventually admitted she was frightened about what the future held.
Denise confessed that she wasn’t sure she had it in her to fight the illness. However, Yolande was there to remind her that she has fought for her life before and that she can do the same again this time.
The heartache continues tomorrow
Tomorrow sees Denise talking to Yolande about her diagnosis, while ignoring phone calls from the hospital. Yolande is concerned that she is avoiding the calls, and encourages Denise to answer.
Eventually Denise picks up, and her doctor tells her that she needs to come back to the hospital as a matter of urgency to start her treatment.
However, just as Denise tries to get her head around the news, another call comes through from Jack. She quickly hangs up on the doctor, and Jack tells her about Jordan’s accident. Denise hides what is happening to her and rushes to be with Chelsea in her hour of need.
Denise eventually tells Jack the truth about her diagnosis later this week. But when will she tell the rest of her family? And when will she put herself first and go for the life-saving treatment she so desperately needs?
EastEnders has worked with Blood Cancer UK
EastEnders has announced that Denise (played by Diane Parish) will now face the battle of her life as she undergoes treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia, a form of blood cancer.
It has been confirmed that the storyline will play out across the rest of the year. It will follow Denise in the wake of her diagnosis, exploring its impact on her and her loved ones.
EastEnders has been working with Blood Cancer UK to ensure the story is portrayed as sensitively as possible.
Executive Producer, Ben Wadey, said: “It was vital to us that Denise’s storyline is portrayed with sensitivity and care. We’re grateful to Blood Cancer UK for their advice in helping us tell this story accurately.
“As viewers follow Denise, we hope to shine a light on the realities and challenges of an acute myeloid leukaemia diagnosis and the impact it has on the person affected and those around them.”
Is Denise leaving EastEnders?
Despite concerns from viewers following Denise’s diagnosis, there is currently no indication that she is leaving EastEnders.
In fact, Denise was referenced during the flashforward episode, confirming she will remain part of the story until at least the New Year.
Although she did not appear on screen during the flashforward scenes, Jack revealed that he had seen her earlier that day.
It was also revealed in today’s episode that Denise’s type of cancer is associated with a five-year survival rate of 25%, making the diagnosis even more devastating for her.
For now, Denise faces the biggest challenge of her life. But with family and friends rallying around her, her story is only just beginning as EastEnders follows her journey through the months ahead.
Read more: EastEnders spoilers for this week: First look as The Night That Changes Everything kicks off