EastEnders’ Denise contemplates devastating decision which would trigger tragic end

| Freelance soaps writer Published September 21, 2026 11:59pm The difficult journey continues (Picture: BBC) EastEnders’ Denise Fox (Diane Parish) contemplates a decision that would devastate her loved ones amid her fight against blood cancer next week. The Walford icon has been undergoing intensive treatment since being diagnosed with an aggressive form of the disease earlier this year, which at one point even saw her put in an induced coma after contracting sepsis. Despite rounds of chemotherapy, Denise has not been responding to treatment as her doctors hoped, with her best chance of survival being a stem cell transplant. This triggered a frantic search for a donor, during which it was uncovered that Denise had a long-lost brother called Darnell Larson (Christopher Colquhoun). After Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and Kim Fox (Tameka Empson) managed to track him down, he initially refused to be tested to see if he was a suitable match. Denise recently learnt that she had a half-brother (Picture: BBC/Metro) However, hopes for Denise grew when it was later revealed on Kim’s wedding day – which saw her tie the knot to Howie Danes (Delroy Atkinson) at Denise’s bedside – that a provisional stem cell match had been found, but further investigations would be required. In the meantime, Denise has still had to continue with treatment, but in scenes to air next week, she struggles under the strain of its gruelling nature. She tries to distract herself by playing matchmaker between stepdaughter Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd) and her ex Denzel Danes (Jaden Luke Ladega), but it’s clear she has a lot on her mind, and confides in Kim and Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams). Later, Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) encourages her to open up to Jack, but instead she finds herself questioning whether she should continue treatment. Phil tries to help (Picture: BBC) Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. With a stem cell match still not guaranteed, it could prove to be a decision that leads to a heartbreaking conclusion. While fans know that Denise will be on screen until at least New Year, fans have long speculated as to whether the beloved character could die from her illness. EastEnders bosses have not confirmed what the future will hold for Denise, but actress Diane Parish recently told Metro why it was so important to tell the story in an authentic and ‘unflinching’ way. She explained: ‘We’re months in, so we can’t skip ahead and go “right, she’s all better”. We have to do it justice, not just for the show, for the people who are actually suffering. ‘They want to feel seen, and I’m determined to make sure that they feel seen in the most genuine, honest way that we can. And be as unflinching with it with the details as we can. ‘We are a 7:30 show, And you can’t visit every aspect of this condition. But we try as much as we can to tell the story, otherwise we would never have taken it on.’ Deals of the Day Primark's new £14 co-ord has autumn styling on a budget covered An Instagram mattress left me with back pain – this one completely changed my mind Book Val d'Isère, Val Thorens and Tignes for less in Club Med's ski sale From £700 MacBooks to discounted iPhones, the best Apple tech for studentsb Save 25% on red light therapy masks, sauna blankets and sleep gadgets in Bon Charge sale EastEnders airs these scenes from Monday 28th September at 7.30pm on BBC One or stream first from 6am on iPlayer. Arrow MORE: Max drawn into EastEnders’ Zoe death mystery as Kat seeks the truth Arrow MORE: Darnell reveals real reason why he can’t save Denise in EastEnders Arrow MORE: Upset Kim is delivered a wedding miracle in EastEnders after emotional setback The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.