Denise Fox (Diane Parish) has faced some hellish times during her twenty-year tenure in EastEnders. Abusive relationships, the tragic death of her beloved fiancé, being engaged to a serial killer who imprisoned her and faked her death, poverty and starvation, a love triangle, being involved in a murder and the resulting psychosis… Denise has run the full gauntlet of soap suffering, but her upcoming battle could prove to be her most challenging yet.
Yesterday's trip to Walford saw her diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), a fast-growing and aggressive type of blood cancer, after she had previously begun to display worrying symptoms and extreme exhaustion. As the other residents of Albert Square bore witness to the drama that was Ross Marshall (Alex Walkinshaw) and Vicki Fowler's (Alice Haig) wedding, Denise sat alone in a doctor's office as a consultant imparted the earth-shattering news to her.
A slew of EastEnders viewers took to X (formerly Twitter) after the plot twist to share their thoughts and feelings. Fans begged to 'protect' Denise 'at all costs'. One user wrote: 'Denise has blood cancer?? Protect her at all costs we beg #EastEnders'. Another said: 'The thought of them potentially killing off our Denise, she better survive this #EastEnders'. Many expressed shock and sadness, with comments like 'Denise getting her diagnosis alone ?? #EastEnders' and 'Must be talking to an angel playing in the back of a Denise scene is such a bad omen ? don't take our Denise! #eastenders'. Another fan admitted: 'Denise?? I'm not ready for this story? #EastEnders'.
Blood Cancer Facts
Blood cancers like AML are among the hardest to treat. AML often requires urgent, intensive chemotherapy and long hospital stays, leaving patients and families facing significant uncertainty. Awareness of blood cancer is low, with 4 in 5 people with blood cancer describing it as hidden.
- Blood cancer is the 3rd biggest cancer killer in the UK, claiming more than 15,000 lives each year.
- It is the 5th most common cancer in the UK.
- Each year, more than 40,000 people are diagnosed with blood cancer in the UK.
- AML is an aggressive type of blood cancer that needs urgent treatment.
- Treatment often involves intensive chemotherapy and extended hospital stays.
- Blood cancer is often described as a 'hidden cancer'.
Facts about AML
2,700 are diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia every year in the UK. Symptoms include unexplained bruising and bleeding, tiredness, unexplained weight loss, paleness, and frequent infections.
Health Inequalities
Experiences of blood cancer are not equal. Blood Cancer UK's research shows that patients from Black and other minority ethnic backgrounds are more likely to face delays or limited treatment options.
For free and confidential support, and information on blood cancer and life after a diagnosis, call Blood Cancer UK on 0808 2080 888 or email support@bloodcancer.org.uk.
An Expert Weighs In on the Story
The CEO of Blood Cancer UK, Helen Rowntree, spoke out on the importance of Denise's story. 'It's been a privilege advising the EastEnders team at the BBC to ensure Denise's storyline reflects the real experiences of people living with blood cancer and those who care for them. Blood cancers, which include leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, do not discriminate yet experiences and outcomes can vary significantly, including by ethnicity. 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 Night That Changes Everything
Next week sees Denise struggle to digest the information she's received. Returning to her salon, Fox & Hair, she's confronted by Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) who's noticed her absence. Unable to control herself, Denise breaks down over her diagnosis and as she reveals all to Yolande, they head home to talk properly. As the consultant calls Denise to return to the hospital immediately to begin treatment, she's distracted when tragedy befalls her daughter, Chelsea (Zaraah Abrahams). Unwilling – and unable – to deal with what's happening to her, Denise becomes a tower of strength for Chelsea, though Yolande continues to gently push her to open up to her family and, eventually, she tells her partner, Jack Branning (Scott Maslen).
