Panic sets in for absolutely everyone in EastEnders soon, as Denise Fox (Diane Parish) is put into a coma.
As Denise’s treatment for blood cancer continues, her family are busy trying to find a stem-cell match for her.
Next week, right in the middle of the search, Denise’s loved ones are told that she needs to be placed into a medically induced coma because her condition has gotten worse.
Back in Walford, Kim Fox (Tameka Empson) realises she has missed a lead on an ancestry website. Diving into the details, Kim finds a glimmer of hope as she learns that Denise has a half-brother.
The Fox-Truemans begin their search for Denise’s long-lost sibling Darnell, but they’re all aware time is running out.
Fortunately, Kim makes a breakthrough and meets with Darnell, but it becomes apparent that he doesn’t actually know the real reason why he’s been tracked down.
Explaining more about Darnell’s first scenes, star Christopher Colquhoun said: ‘Darnell is simply excited to discover a side of his family he never knew existed. He’s naturally open and trusting, so he doesn’t spend time questioning why they’ve reached out to him.
‘He wants to get to know them and, in typical Darnell fashion, almost loses sight of the bigger picture because he’s so fascinated by the connection itself and doesn’t even question why Denise isn’t there!’.
Reeling by the news of Denise’s illness, Darnell agrees to visit. When he arrives at the hospital, it becomes apparent that he’s feeling incredibly overwhelmed so he scarpers.
Denise, thankfully, is brought out of her coma, but her family then learn that her treatment still isn’t working as well as they hoped. The search for a stem cell donor is more urgent than ever, which pushes Jack to try and locate Darnell.
While Jack is successful in his search, he comes across Darnell’s daughter Grace (Krysstina Frempong) at the same time. As emotions run high between them all, Denise’s loved ones start to wonder if they’ve lost their best chance at helping her…
‘It’s an honour to join one of Walford’s most loved families and, I’m sure Darnell would also say, one of its best! (laughs)’, Christopher noted.
‘I actually went to drama school with Diane back in the day, so reconnecting with her after all these years is genuinely exciting and reassuring too as I know she’s got my back!
‘Also, Scott and Tameka have both been incredibly supportive and welcoming from day one, and the energy and commitment they bring has made setting in very easy. I love them all.’
