EastEnders spoilers follow.
Libby Fox has made another unexpected return to Albert Square, but has she returned on a permanent basis? The character, played by Belinda Owusu, reappeared in this Tuesday's (16 June) episode of EastEnders, after Denise Fox's devastating cancer diagnosis brought the Fox family together.
Libby's return came after Denise revealed in the Queen Vic that she was facing treatment for blood cancer, prompting Chelsea to reach out to her younger sister. Before long, Libby arrived back on the Square to support her mother during what could be one of the family's most difficult times.
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However, while the comeback has delighted the Fox-Branning clan, there is currently no indication that Libby is returning to EastEnders on a permanent basis. In fact, the character's latest stint appears to be another short-term return, similar to several of her previous appearances over the past decade.
Libby was first introduced in 2006 and became a familiar face in Walford before departing in 2010 to pursue her studies. Since then, she has returned sporadically, including brief visits in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Earlier this year, she also made a surprise appearance during a flashforward episode.
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This latest comeback appears to have a clear purpose beyond simply supporting Denise. Almost immediately after arriving, Libby found herself caught up in a potentially explosive storyline involving Chelsea and her son Jordan.
During a tense exchange, Chelsea revealed she had been receiving letters from the family of serial killer Gray Atkins on behalf of Jordan, who remains in hospital after his recent hit-and-run ordeal.
Although Chelsea insisted she had only opened one envelope, she admitted it contained a birthday card and a £1,000 cheque intended for Jordan. Still haunted by her traumatic relationship with Gray, she confessed she could not bring herself to use money connected to his family.
"I can’t have that man know anything about my son," Chelsea said. "Not even indirectly, because Gray is evil, Libby." The conversation was interrupted by a phone call from the hospital, leaving Libby alone with the envelope. In a moment that immediately raised eyebrows, she quietly pocketed both the card and the money.
The scene hinted that Libby could be hiding a secret of her own, potentially setting up fresh drama for the Fox-Branning clan in the weeks ahead, particularly as Gray Atkins has been tipped for a return.
Belinda Owusu has spoken warmly about reprising her role as Libby, describing the experience as a homecoming. She said: "I am beyond thrilled to be back on the Square. Getting the Foxes back together has been such a joy, full of fun and nostalgia! It’s been 20 years since I first joined, so coming back has been like returning home!"
The actress has also teased that Libby's focus is firmly on helping her family through a hard time. "Libby is coming home to support her family during a difficult time, and it’s been so wonderful stepping back into her shoes and becoming a Fox again," Belinda said.
For now, EastEnders bosses have not announced any long-term plans for Libby, and her return is being billed as part of Denise and Jordan's ongoing storylines rather than a permanent comeback – but what will she be up to?
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.
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