BBC EastEnders character Denise Fox set for cancer storyline

Walford favourite Denise Fox, played by Diane Parish, will be diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia following a period of unexplained tiredness and resulting medical tests.

The storyline will follow her diagnosis and its impact on her and her loved ones over the coming months.

EastEnders character Denise Fox set for cancer storyline

Denise made her first appearance on the BBC soap in May 2006 and temporarily left EastEnders in early 2008 to give birth to her second child.

Parish has had two roles in EastEnders, previously playing singer Lola Christie in 1998 before playing salon manager Denise.

On the new storyline, Ben Wadey, executive producer at EastEnders, said: “It was vital to us that Denise’s storyline is portrayed with sensitivity and care, and 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.”

The blood cancer storyline is being developed in partnership with the national charity Blood Cancer UK to ensure it is depicted accurately and sensitively.

Blood Cancer UK reports that more than 40,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with blood cancer each year.

Denise Fox’s character Diane Parish will be part of a new cancer storyline on EastEnders (Image: Kieron McCarron/BBC)

Helen Rowntree, chief executive of Blood Cancer UK, said: “It’s been a privilege advising the EastEnders team to ensure Denise’s storyline reflects the real experiences of people living with blood cancer and those who care for them.

“Being black and living with an aggressive blood cancer like acute myeloid leukaemia can bring additional challenges.

“We hope viewers gain a greater understanding of blood cancer’s impact, and we’re pleased this issue is being highlighted on a powerful platform, helping make a ‘hidden’ cancer more visible.”

The symptoms of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) usually develop over a few weeks, becoming more severe as the number of immature white blood cells increases, the NHS explains.

Symptoms can include skin looking pale or “washed out”, tiredness, breathlessness, night sweats, easily bruised skin, bone and joint pain, and more.

EastEnders to mark 20th anniversary of Denise Fox

The BBC will be hosting a special night dedicated to Denise Fox on May 11 as the character marks two decades on the soap.

Airing on BBC Three, a selection of EastEnders episodes will air from 8pm to 11pm, followed by the documentary ‘Manosphere’, which Parish fronts.

The episodes will highlight some of Denise’s biggest lines, including exposing her serial killer husband, Lucas Johnson (Don Gilet) and when she became entwined with the murder of Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters).

Plus, fans will be able to rewatch the time Denise had to choose between Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara).

The BBC will air the following episodes of Denise Fox, according to Radio Times:

• 8pm – The downfall of Lucas Johnson (2010)
• 8.30pm – Denise and Ian Beale kiss (2013)
• 9pm – Keanu Taylor dies on Christmas Day (2023)
• 10pm – Denise chooses between Jack and Ravi (2025)
• 10.30pm – Joel Marshall’s behaviour takes a turn (2025)
• 11pm – EastEnders Investigates: The Manosphere (2025)

EastEnders airs on BBC One every Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm.

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