EastEnders spoilers follow.
EastEnders has kicked off a heartbreaking storyline for Walford mainstay Denise Fox as the hairstylist receives a life-changing diagnosis. As previously revealed, Denise will be at the centre of a blood cancer story that will be further explored in a special week of episodes from next Monday.
While the whole of Walford was witnessing the wedding drama of Vicki Fowler and Ross Marshall after the revelation that she had cheated with best man Zack Hudson, Denise's mind was completely elsewhere. After going in for a bone marrow aspirate following her blood test, Denise had been awaiting the results, keeping it a secret from her loved ones.
Making an appearance at the wedding, Denise lied to Phil Mitchell, who'd enquired about her health, brushing her fatigue off as "feeling a bit under the weather".
Denise was equally elusive with Yolande Trueman, cutting their conversation short with the excuse of needing some air.
As the guests rejoiced when Ross finally decided to forgive Vicki and go ahead with the wedding, Denise received a phone call from her doctor wanting to discuss her bone marrow test results.
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An anxious Denise went in, urging the GP to tell her the truth.
"I'm very sorry but it's not good news," the doctor said. "You do have blood cancer."
The episode ended on this devastating twist for Denise, who will open up to partner Jack Branning in upcoming scenes.
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In 'The Night That Changes Everything,' seeing four episodes all taking place across the same eventful evening, Denise confides in Jack and Yolande, but decides to shield her daughter Chelsea, who's received some unexpected news of her own.
"By the end of the week's episodes, only Jack and Yolande know about Denise's cancer," explained our EastEnders source.
"Denise has to be strong for Chelsea in her hour of need, knowing her diagnosis would push her daughter over the edge. But Denise needs immediate treatment - and she's avoiding reality."
EastEnders airs on Mondays-Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.
Read more EastEnders spoilers on our dedicated homepage
If you would like more information or support about living with cancer or treatment, please click here for guidance from Macmillan Cancer Support, or click here to learn more from Stand Up to Cancer.
