EastEnders fans have been left fearing for one Walford legend as distressing scenes involving Denise Fox (Diane Parish) continue to unfold, leaving viewers far from pleased.
Denise's Cancer Diagnosis
Last week on the BBC drama, Denise received a diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukaemia, an aggressive type of blood cancer. However, she chose to postpone vital treatment in order to be there for her daughter, Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams).
Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) accidentally struck her 4-year-old son Jordan (Jahsaiah Williams) with his vehicle, resulting in the youngster requiring emergency surgery. Denise recognised that she needed to be there for Chelsea and Jordan and was reluctant to add further strain by revealing her diagnosis.
The only individuals privy to the truth are Yolande Trueman (Angela Wynter) and Jack Branning (Scott Maslen), reports OK!.
Consultation and Treatment Plans
On Monday (June 8), Denise and Jack attended an appointment with the consultant, who outlined the specifics of Denise's treatment programme. They informed Denise that she required admission for urgent, intensive chemotherapy, which would span a week. She would then need to remain in the hospital for an additional three weeks to prevent catching infections.
Denise declined to begin treatment and focused on supporting Chelsea during her difficult period. Jack attempted to persuade Denise to be admitted to the hospital as he was terrified of losing his wife, but she wouldn't hear of it.
"I'm scared, D", Jack said while embracing Denise, who responded, "I know you are, I'm scared too". As Jack began to weep, he added, "I can't lose you", while she attempted to comfort him that she would pull through. He then declared, "That's not what the doctor said", as Denise remained resolute in her decision to delay her initial round of chemotherapy.
Fan Reactions
EastEnders fans were left fretting over Denise's well-being, concerned that postponing her treatment could result in the character being written out after two decades. Some viewers even threatened to stop watching the soap if Denise were to lose her battle with the illness.
One viewer took to X and expressed: "#EastEnders if Denise dies I think I might just be done watching after 30+ years of consistently watching the show... You wouldn't be able to console me. I've caught up on her telling Jack she has blood cancer and it has finished me!"
Another stated: "Me dragging Denise to Walford General to start her treatment because we cannot lose the queen #EastEnders", while a third quipped: "So we agree we're rioting to Wadey's house if he kills off Denise? #EastEnders."
"Denise better survive this I swear. #EastEnders", urged one fan, while another insisted: "Denise, you must have the treatment now! #EastEnders."
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer.
