EastEnders airs scenes on Wednesday, August 26, in which Denise Fox (Diane Parish) shows signs of improvement, but doctors make clear the search for a stem cell donor is more urgent than ever. Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) tracks down Darnell Larson (Christopher Colquhoun), only for emotions to run high and the family to fear they have lost their best chance to help Denise.
Denise's donor search takes a devastating turn
Jack is relieved when he is notified that Denise, who was diagnosed with blood cancer earlier in the year, is showing signs of improvement, meaning she can be brought out of her medically induced coma. The happiness is short-lived, however, as the treatment is not working as hoped.
Jack informs Denise about Darnell, her half-brother found via an ancestry website, and subsequently tries to locate him. He succeeds in finding Darnell with his daughter Grace, but the encounter leaves the family worried they have lost their best chance to help Denise.
Devastated, Jack returns to the hospital, where he delivers the bad news and faces Kim's wrath. Will Darnell reconsider? Will Denise find a stem cell donor?
Kat gets a Benidorm-themed surprise
Elsewhere in the Square, worried about Kat Slater (Jessie Wallace) after seeing her sobbing in the ladies loos at the Vic, Alfie comes up with a plan to lift her spirits, planning a Benidorm-themed party inspired by a happy memory. His loved ones quiz him on why he hasn't directly addressed the footage with Kat, but his surprise plan ultimately distracts them from their line of questioning. Kat is left moved by his efforts.
Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) asks Oscar Branning (Pierre Counihan-Moullier) to organise Max's (Jake Wood) stag do, which leaves the Branning patriarch on edge. Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd) and Craig Ingram (Matthew James Bailey) have agreed to meet on the day for a drink.
EastEnders airs these scenes Wednesday August 26 at 7:30pm on BBC One or streams from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
