Belinda Owusu, who plays Libby Fox in EastEnders, has returned to Albert Square after a nine-year absence. The beloved character made her comeback during Tuesday's episode, where viewers saw Denise Fox (Diane Parish) bravely begin treatment for blood cancer. Denise received support from her husband Jack Branning (Scott Maslen), while daughter Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) contacted Libby to share the heartbreaking news. As Denise prepared for a four-week hospital stay, Libby surprised her mother, vowing to visit daily and stay as long as needed.
Who Is Libby Fox in EastEnders?
Libby first arrived in Walford in May 2006 when the Fox family debuted. Four years later, she left to study at Oxford University, returning in 2014 before departing permanently in 2017. Her biological father, Owen Turner (Lee Ross), attempted to murder her during a custody dispute and was killed by Chelsea's father, Lucas Johnson (Don Gilet). Libby made occasional appearances before her final exit in 2017. She was most recently seen in a flash-forward episode in January 2027, leaving fans curious about her return.
Who Plays Libby Fox?
Actress Belinda Owusu, 37, from Hackney, East London, portrays Libby. She is also known for her role as Nicky McKendrick in Holby City from 2017 to 2022. During her Holby City stint, her real-life baby daughter played her on-screen child, Juliet. Belinda told What to Watch: "It was really difficult because Juliet is [played by] my baby. It made it a little harder because Nicky's relationship with Juliet is quite different to mine. I was gushing over every single gurgle my baby was doing." She added, "In hindsight, I'm so glad we did it because those are days I got to be with her that I wouldn't have." Belinda also appeared in Casualty, Doctor Who, Trigger Point, Only Child, and The Bombing of Pan Am 103.
Family Tragedy
In October 2016, Belinda's younger brother, Ziggy Worrell-Owusu, was fatally stabbed hours after celebrating his 19th birthday. A Met Police spokesperson said: "Police were called to the Basement Shisha Lounge in Goodmayes Road, where they found Ziggy fatally injured. He was taken to hospital but died shortly after arrival." Speaking to the Evening Standard, Belinda made an emotional plea: "My brother went along with friends to celebrate his birthday, and this just happened. He was not involved in any fighting. Someone decided they were going to bring a weapon in. It is hard to imagine anyone doing that. He was a good kid. He had just started out, and suddenly, it was all gone."
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer.
