Belinda Owusu has made a dramatic return to EastEnders as Libby Fox, surprising viewers during the June 16 episode of the BBC One soap. After a nine-year absence, Libby appeared in Albert Square to support her mother, Denise Fox, played by Diane Parish, who has been diagnosed with blood cancer.
Emotional Reunion in Walford
Denise, a mother of three, bravely began her treatment journey with the support of her husband, Jack Branning (Scott Maslen). Her daughter Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams) called Libby to share the heartbreaking news. As Denise prepared for a four-week hospital stay, Libby arrived unexpectedly, leading to a touching reunion. Libby promised to visit the hospital and stay as long as needed.
Who Is Libby Fox?
Libby first appeared in EastEnders in May 2006 when the Fox family joined the soap. She left in 2010 to study at Oxford University, making brief returns in 2014 and 2017. Her biological father, Owen Turner, tried to kill her during a custody battle but was killed by Chelsea's father, Lucas Johnson. Libby also appeared in a flash-forward episode in January 2027, hinting at her return.
Belinda Owusu's Career and Personal Life
Belinda Owusu, 37, from Hackney, East London, is also known for playing Nicky McKendrick in Holby City from 2017 to 2022. During her time on Holby City, her real-life daughter played Juliet, the on-screen child of Amelia and Eli Ebrahimi. Belinda described filming as challenging but rewarding, saying, "I'm so glad we did it because those are days I got to be with her that I wouldn't have." She also appeared in Casualty, Doctor Who, Trigger Point, Only Child, and The Bombing of Pan Am 103.
Family Tragedy: The Death of Belinda's Brother
In October 2016, Belinda's younger brother, Ziggy Worrell-Owusu, was fatally stabbed hours after his 19th birthday. A Met Police spokesperson said he was found injured at the Basement Shisha Lounge in Goodmayes Road and died despite medical efforts. Belinda struggled with the loss and appealed for information, stating, "He was not involved in any fighting... Someone decided they were going to bring a weapon in. It is hard to imagine anyone doing that." She added, "Ziggy was a good kid. If he saw someone in trouble, he would help them."
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer.
