EastEnders star Belinda Owusu has teased that her return as Libby Fox brings tense scenes, as secret meetings with a serial killer's grandmother are exposed. The actress, who last appeared in a New Year's Day flashforward, is set to return amid her mother Denise's blood cancer diagnosis and her nephew Jordan's accident.
Return to Walford
Owusu described stepping back into Libby's shoes after almost a decade as familiar yet changed. She noted that reuniting with Diane Parish (Denise) and Tameka Empson (Kim) felt like coming home, and she quickly bonded with Zaraah Abrahams (Chelsea).
Why Now?
The storyline marks a major moment for the Fox family, coinciding with Diane Parish's 20th anniversary on the show. Owusu reflected on the serendipity of returning at the same age Parish was when she joined, and both now being mothers of two.
Sibling Tensions
Libby and Chelsea immediately clash, driven by fear for their mother. Owusu explained that both sisters feel guilty and process grief differently, leading to conflict. Libby's guilt over not noticing Denise's illness makes her defensive, while Chelsea deals with her own burden.
Secret Meetings
When Chelsea reveals that Gray's grandmother, Sheila, has been sending cheques for years, Libby sees potential support for Jordan's care. Despite Chelsea's reluctance, Libby reaches out to Sheila, believing it could ease the financial strain.
Owusu noted that Libby's perspective is shaped by not having experienced Gray's abuse firsthand, making her more pragmatic and slightly naive. She sees the meeting as a way to help Jordan without fully grasping the risks.
Meeting Sheila
Chelsea eventually agrees to meet Sheila, surprising Libby. The sisters attend together, and Libby comes away feeling positive. Sheila denounces Gray and claims she only wants to help Jordan, saying all the right things.
Keeping Secrets
The pair keep the meetings from Denise and the rest of the family, aware of the risks but wanting to assess the situation without additional opinions. With Denise starting treatment, they avoid adding more worry. However, as Owusu teased, nothing stays secret for long on Albert Square.
