EastEnders viewers are convinced they have uncovered the reason behind Darnell Larson's reluctance to help his half-sister Denise Fox, as he finally agreed to meet her at the hospital. The BBC One soap has aired a dramatic reunion between Darnell and Jack Branning after he initially refused to assist Denise, who is battling an aggressive form of blood cancer.
This week on the show, salon owner Denise (Diane Parish) remained in hospital, where she is being treated for acute myeloid leukemia and requires a stem cell transplant. She was placed into a medically induced coma as she battled sepsis and a chest infection, with doctors agreeing it was the best course of action to help save her life. Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) was terrified he was about to lose his beloved partner following an emotional goodbye from Denise before she fell unconscious.
Darnell's refusal and change of heart
Elsewhere in Walford, Kim Fox (Tameka Empson) managed to track down Denise's mysterious half-brother, Darnell Larson (Christopher Colquhoun). The family reunion did not go well, as Darnell ran away from Jack and Kim, refusing to help save Denise's life if he was a stem cell match. On Wednesday (August 26), there was good news as Denise came out of her coma and showed signs of improvement.
However, the doctors revealed that the treatment was not working, making the search for a stem cell donor more urgent. The news sparked fear in Jack, who was hellbent on finding Darnell and convincing him to help Denise. When he and Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) finally tracked him down, alongside daughter Grace (Krysstina Frempong), emotions ran high, leaving the family fearing they may have lost their best chance of helping Denise. When it appeared all hope had been lost, Darnell arrived at the hospital and came face to face with his half-sister for the first time.
Fan theory about Darnell's past
As Darnell appears apprehensive about potentially providing Denise with the stem cells she needs, some EastEnders viewers are convinced he was married to a former character. During Denise's first round of intense chemotherapy, she was introduced to a fellow cancer patient called Teyana, who was also receiving treatment on the ward. The pair struck up a wonderful friendship and regularly Facetimed each other while they were in isolation.
However, in July, Denise went to visit Teyana on the ward only to be informed that her friend had passed away after suffering from an infection that rapidly took over her body. The news devastated Denise, who not only felt afraid but feared for her own life. In a twist, EastEnders fans are now predicting Darnell is Teyana's husband.
Taking to X, one person wrote: "Got a theory about Darnell... he lost his wife, and she was Denise's friend in the hospital who passed away recently, forget her name, but they used to Facetime.....#EastEnders". A second added: "Omggggg it’s gotta be this and if it’s not Wadey missed the mark again."
A third chimed in: "Good shout! Why wouldn’t he just say that though?" While another added: "He probably didn't know Denise, and maybe he wasn't visiting his wife in the hospital due to being scared." "I’m guessing Darnell will of lost his wife from an illness similar to what Denise is going through," explained one viewer.
EastEnders airs Monday and Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer.
