Dennis Rickman Jr's tragic death has left Sharon Mitchell grief-stricken, 14 years after the death of the love of her life—his father, also named Dennis. The younger Dennis drowned during the doomed boat party on EastEnders, devastating his mother.
Sharon first met Dennis Sr after her adopted father, Dirty Den, returned from the dead. Den had a son he never knew, Dennis, who was traced back to Walford by his daughter Vicki. Den initially tried to bond with Dennis, but their relationship soured when Den discovered Sharon and Dennis were in a romantic relationship, accusing them of incest.
Den tried to separate the couple, but after a violent confrontation in which Dennis accidentally hit Sharon, Den claimed he wanted them both in his life but could not accept their relationship. Confused, Dennis broke up with Sharon to pursue a father-son bond with Den.
However, Dennis and Sharon continued their affair in secret, planning to leave together on Christmas Day. Their plans were thwarted when Zoe, Dennis' girlfriend, falsely claimed she was pregnant. Sharon left without him, but Dennis eventually discovered Zoe's lie and her affair with Den, leading him to reunite with Sharon.
Sharon and Dennis returned to Walford as a couple and married. They later learned that Den was murdered by his wife Chrissie and, with Phil Mitchell, ensured justice. On Christmas Day 2005, Sharon discovered she was pregnant after being told she was infertile. Johnny Allen threatened Dennis, but Sharon and Dennis left Walford to save his life.
