EastEnders' Libby Fox actress Belinda Owusu has paid tribute to her co-star ahead of an emotional return to the BBC soap. Libby Fox makes a comeback to Walford in next week's episodes following the shocking news of her mother Denise's cancer diagnosis.
Libby's Return to Walford
Libby, played by Belinda Owusu, first appeared on Albert Square in May 2006 when the Fox family debuted on the soap. After four years, she left to study at Oxford University, much to the pride of her mother Denise, portrayed by Diane Parish. Over the years, Libby made occasional returns before her final departure in 2017. However, viewers saw her briefly in a flash-forward episode set for New Year's Day 2027, sparking curiosity about her comeback.
In upcoming scenes, Libby returns to support her family following Denise's blood cancer diagnosis. Upon arrival, she finds her relatives in dire need of help, including sister Chelsea Fox, played by Zaraah Abrahams, who is struggling after her son Jordan's accident.
Belinda Owusu Praises Diane Parish
Discussing her return, Belinda Owusu praised co-star Diane Parish and revealed she is now the same age Diane was when she originally joined the show. Belinda said: "It's such a big moment for the family, and Libby would want to be there. When the Foxes first arrived, they were a tight-knit trio of strong women with each other's backs."
She added: "It's been lovely to revisit that dynamic within a bigger, evolved family. It also marks Diane's 20th anniversary, and I happened to be there on the day, which felt very serendipitous. We reflected on how full circle it all felt. I'm now the same age she was when she joined, and like her then, I have two children. It was special to celebrate that with her. There's something meaningful about a show giving you that sense of family over so many years."
Returning to the Role
Describing slipping back into Libby's character, Belinda admitted: "A lot has changed, yet it still felt familiar." She added: "I only filmed one scene with Rudolph for the flashforward, so it was an initial flying visit, but a nice way to ease back in ahead of what was to come with this storyline."
She continued: "It was great to reunite with so many familiar faces. Although the sets are different, it felt like home immediately, with a real sense of nostalgia. Diane and Tameka have always felt like family, and it was my first time working with Zaraah as Chelsea, but we clicked straight away. It sounds cheesy, but it really did feel like coming home. That speaks to the show's energy; things change, but the warmth remains."
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer.
