Denise Fox (Diane Parish) is placed into a medically induced coma in EastEnders as her blood cancer treatment continues and her family searches for a stem-cell match. The news comes during a critical phase of her treatment, leaving her loved ones in Walford panicked.
Kim's ancestry breakthrough
Kim Fox (Tameka Empson) discovers a missed lead on an ancestry website, revealing that Denise has a half-brother. The Fox-Truemans begin searching for Denise's long-lost sibling Darnell, aware that time is running out.
Kim eventually meets Darnell, but it becomes clear he doesn't know the real reason he was tracked down. Actor Christopher Colquhoun, who plays Darnell, said: 'Darnell is simply excited to discover a side of his family he never knew existed. He's naturally open and trusting, so he doesn't spend time questioning why they've reached out to him.'
Hospital visit goes wrong
After learning of Denise's illness, Darnell agrees to visit but becomes overwhelmed at the hospital and leaves abruptly. Denise is later brought out of her coma, but her family learn her treatment still isn't working as well as hoped.
The search for a stem-cell donor becomes more urgent, prompting Jack to try to locate Darnell. He finds Darnell's daughter Grace (Krysstina Frempong) instead, raising questions about whether they've lost their best chance to help Denise.
Colquhoun added: 'It's an honour to join one of Walford's most loved families and, I'm sure Darnell would also say, one of its best! (laughs). I actually went to drama school with Diane back in the day, so reconnecting with her after all these years is genuinely exciting and reassuring too as I know she's got my back!'
