Denise Fox
Encyclopedia
Denise Celeste Fox is a fictional character
from the BBC
soap opera
EastEnders
, played by Diane Parish
. She made her first appearance on 11 May 2006. Parish temporarily left EastEnders in early 2008 to give birth to her second child. Her exit coincided with the permanent departures of cast members Phil Daniels
(Kevin Wicks
), Kellie Shirley
(Carly Wicks
) and Matt Di Angelo
(Deano Wicks
). She returned to Walford on 6 June 2008.
(Rudolph Walker
), Aubrey Valentine (Joseph Marcell
), Cedric Lucas (Ram John Holder
), Dwight and Earl. Denise and Lucas Johnson
(Don Gilet
) had a relationship when they were teenagers and she fell pregnant with his baby at sixteen. He was a drug addict and constantly let her down. He could not cope with being a father and fled, leaving Denise to bring up their daughter Chelsea
(Tiana Benjamin
) alone. Denise went on to meet Owen Turner
(Lee Ross
) in 1989 and after starting a relationship, she fell pregnant in late 1990. Owen and Denise married in a shotgun ceremony a few months later, and Denise gave birth to daughter Libby
(Belinda Owusu
) in July 1991. Owen was a doting father but later became an alcoholic in 1999 and was abusive to Denise. Denise eventually left him, taking the children with her. Their divorce was finalised a year later, 2000.
Moving to Walford in May 2006, Denise has a tempestuous encounter with Kevin Wicks
(Phil Daniels
); however, an attraction develops and they begin dating. Problems arise when Denise's ex-husband Owen tries to reunite with Libby. Denise is opposed to this but with Libby's encouragement, she begins to warm to Owen again. They sleep together, which ends her relationship with Kevin. However, Denise regrets her actions, and when she tells him this, he beats her. Owen apologises when he is sober, but Chelsea persuades Denise to banish him from their lives, after which he turns violent again; he beats Denise and takes Kevin hostage at knife point, until he is arrested. Libby persuades Denise to provide a character witness for Owen at his trial; he is subsequently given a suspended sentence, but upon his release he kidnaps Libby, phoning Denise to tell her that he is going to kill her and commit suicide. Denise rushes to Epping Forest
, where Owen is, but this causes him to try to drown Libby and himself. Denise and Kevin find Libby unconscious, but she survives and Owen is imprisoned. In the wake of her family's ordeal, Denise reunites with Kevin and moves her family in with his.
In October 2006, Patrick reveals that he played in "The Five Hectors" during his youth, leading Denise to conclude that he might be her long lost father. Patrick has a paternity test which confirms that he is not Denise's father, but after growing close to Libby, he pretends he is. Denise finally discovers the truth while holidaying with Patrick in Dorset, but despite her upset, she forgives him for lying. When Kevin's ex-wife, Shirley Carter (Linda Henry
), arrives in Walford, she causes numerous problems for Denise and Kevin. Shirley reveals Kevin's secret, that he is not the biological father of Shirley's children Deano
(Matt Di Angelo
) and Carly
(Kellie Shirley
), and in the wake of this, Kevin flees, abandoning Denise. Upset, Denise threatens to move away, but she is stopped by Kevin, who returns and proposes marriage. Denise initially rejects him, but eventually accepts. Shirley tries to ruin their wedding by turning up at the ceremony to inform Denise about a recent sexual encounter she had with Kevin; however, Kevin has already confessed and Shirley's attempt at stirring only encourages her to go through with the wedding, though she kicks Kevin in the groin before saying "I do".
Throughout the remainder of 2007, Denise weathers various problems, including Chelsea and Deano's imprisonment for framing Sean Slater
(Robert Kazinsky
), Kevin's dishonesty when he attempts to cover their crime, and a feud with her boss at the post office, Zainab Masood
(Nina Wadia
), which causes Denise to lose her job and get reinstated several times. In December 2007, Kevin starts selling cars for Phil Mitchell
(Steve McFadden
), but later discovers they are cut-and-shut
s; he tries to destroy the cars but has a fatal motor accident on New Year's Eve 2007 whilst doing this. Denise is devastated to receive the news of Kevin's death and following his funeral in January 2008, she decides to travel the world with Carly and scatter his ashes.
), the mother of his son Jordan (Michael-Joel David Stuart
). Trina turns up in Walford and reveals that she and Lucas had a fling at Christmas. Denise forgives Lucas but Trina continues to interfere in their relationship. Unknown to Denise, Lucas and Trina have sex again. Trina tries to seduce Lucas in a shed but he pushes her away and her throat is impaled on a rake. He manipulates the situation to make it seem Trina suffered a drugs-related death, and the police come to the conclusion that Trina's demise was accidental. Owen, however, suspects Lucas' involvement in her death, and attempts to dissuade Denise from marrying him. When Owen threatens to go to the police, Lucas murders him by strangulation, and the wedding goes ahead.
Owen's body is discovered eight months later. Lucas confesses to Denise, claiming he killed him in self defence. Denise is initially horrified, but urges Lucas not to tell the police. He later confesses to her that he could have saved Trina's life but chose not to, then says he will go to the police and tell them everything. Instead, he takes Denise to a canal, intending to baptise her. When Denise refuses to submit to God, he strangles her until she goes limp. He fakes Denise's suicide, implicating her in Trina and Owen's murders, while keeping Denise prisoner in the basement of the empty house next door. Lucas gradually comes to the realisation that his actions were wrong, and allows Denise to escape. She returns home to her shocked family, and as she explains events to them, but Lucas arrives and holds them hostage. When Jordan returns home, everyone manages to escape from the house, and Lucas is arrested. After a spell in hospital, Denise returns home to hear that Chelsea is planning to move to Spain with Owen's mother Liz (Kate Williams) to start a new life. Realising that her daughters will continue to be haunted by their past if they stay in Walford, Denise encourages Libby to leave with her sister and grandmother for a holiday before returning to university. After waving her daughters goodbye Denise breaks down, telling Patrick that she has lost her girls. The next day they both attend the funeral of the prostitute, Gemma (Rita Balogun), that Lucas murdered. When they return home, Denise's sister Kim
(Tameka Empson
) arrives saying that she has left her boyfriend Dexter (Robbie Gee
), and asks to move in with them.
In August, Jane Beale (Laurie Brett
) confides in Denise about her husband Ian Beale
(Adam Woodyatt
) covering up his daughter's abortion. Jane plans to get her revenge by leaving Ian and taking all his money, after adopting his youngest son Bobby Beale, although Denise tries to convince her not to go through with it, after striking up a small friendship with Ian. A letter from the bank arrives for Jane to Denise's address, and Jane tells Denise to keep it as the bank were not supposed to send anything. Later, Kim brings the letter to Ian. Ian asks Jane about it and she says she has been putting money aside for a holiday, and is then forced to book one. Ian and Jane later get a divorce in May 2011.
In December, Lucas's sister, Gloria MacDonald (Michele Austin
) comes to the house to see Jordan. Denise demands that she leaves, and she does so. Jordan then says he thought his dad was supposed to be locked up, not him. Denise then lets Jordan stay with his aunt over Christmas, and also into the New Year. Kim leaves a bath running which floods Patrick's house. This forces Kim, Patrick and Denise to live with neighbours over Christmas while the house is repaired. Kim then suggests buying the house next door to run as a bed and breakfast with Denise, however, Denise refuses as it was the house in which Lucas kept her prisoner. When the B&B opens, Denise is disturbed by being in the house and people talking about what Lucas did. She talks to Zainab who helps her move on by destroying past memories of Lucas. She later attends Lucas's court hearing where he received life imprisonment.
Denise starts a relationship with Yusef Khan
(Ace Bhatti
), the new local GP. This annoys Zainab as Yusef is her ex-husband whose family burnt her in a fire, and Zainab tries to warn Denise off Yusef, saying she does not want Denise to get hurt, but Denise does not listen. Denise begins to worry that Yusef is not really interested in her, but he manages to convince her otherwise, despite the fact he actually has feelings for Zainab. Denise then helps Yusef's daughter, Afia Khan (Meryl Fernandes
) prepare for her wedding to Tamwar Masood
(Himesh Patel
) and the pair strike up a bond. During Tamwar and Afia's Mehndi celebrations, Yusef's sister-in-law Shameem (Seeta Indrani
) hears Yusef and Zainab talking about their history and assumes they are having an affair, which she later reveals to everyone. Denise is horrified at both Zainab and Yusef and Kim comforts her as she bemoans another failed relationship. Yusef and Zainab try to reconcile with Denise, but she refuses to listen.
In July, Denise offers to take and pick up Bobby to school for Ian and he is surprised by her offer. Later, as Denise talks to Janine Malloy (Charlie Brooks
), Bobby falls off the swing and hurts his knee. Janine tells Ian that Denise failed to look after Bobby properly and a furious Ian marches round to see Denise, although he soon realises that Janine made it sound much worse than it actually was. He apologises to Denise and is clearly touched by her favour. Later that week, Denise is with Tanya Jessop (Jo Joyner
) and her sister Rainie Cross
(Tanya Franks
) when she spots Ian Beale and they exchange pleasantries. Tanya and Rainie pick up on this and accuse Denise and Ian of having feelings for one another, although Denise promptly denies it. Afterwards, Ian tells a bemused Denise that he sees her as 'one of the guys' and has no sexual feelings for her whatsoever. However, Ian soon develops feelings when he thinks Denise has developed feeling for him after hosting a birthday party for his son, Bobby. Ian tries to kiss Denise but she backs away and ends the party.
had been cast in EastEnders as a "sassy, strong" character with links to the established Wicks family, who would be "a force to be reckoned with." Parish had previously appeared in the serial as singer Lola Christie in 1998. In January 2006, Parish's character was revealed to be Denise Fox, who would embark on a romance with fellow newcomer Kevin Wicks
(Phil Daniels
). Tiana Benjamin
was cast as Denise's daughter Chelsea, and spoke of her admiration for Parish, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to work with her. Lara Gould of the Sunday Mirror
described the new characters as the "feisty Fox family", revealing that Denise would have a second, younger daughter, Elizabeth
["Libby"], played by Belinda Owusu
. Gould reported that the family would "arrive in Albert Square
with a bang and [...] cause friction from the off", expanding: "The Fox girls don't take any nonsense – they'll be a force to be reckoned with." Lee Ross
was later cast as Denise's ex-husband and Libby's father Owen Turner
. Kris Green of media and entertainment website Digital Spy
described Owen as having had "a disappointing life", revealing that Denise had separated from him as a result of his heavy drinking.
Denise went on to marry Kevin, acting as stepmother to his children Carly
(Kellie Shirley
) and Deano
(Matt Di Angelo
). Parish briefly departed from the show to take maternity leave, and when Daniels declined to renew his contract, he, Shirley and Di Angelo were written out permanently, coinciding with Parish's temporary exit. In Denise's absence, Chelsea reunited with her estranged father Lucas Johnson
, with Don Gilet
cast in the role. Upon Parish's return, Denise and Lucas ultimately reunited, with Gilet commenting: "He's found a woman who's strong-willed, strong-minded, a good mother to their shared child and to Libby and [Lucas' son] Jordan (Michael-Joel David Stuart
). It's kind of ideal and he's worked so hard for it. Nothing, but nothing, should stop that - he deserves to have this. It's one of these situations where he likes the idea that he's earned this relationship. That seems to be more of a priority than the pure love he has for her. He loves what he's earned and he's now this respectable person who wants to hold on to what he has by any means necessary."
When Lucas' ex-wife Trina (Sharon Duncan Brewster
) began interfering in their relationship, Lucas was instrumental in her death, and went on to kill Owen when he came close to discovering the truth. In May 2010, Green reported that in an upcoming episode, Lucas would be seen to strangle Denise and dispose of her body in a canal. He questioned whether Parish was to be written out of the soap, following the announcements that both Benjamin and Owusu would be leaving EastEnders later in 2010. Discussing the storyline, Gilet refused to reveal whether Lucas would kill Denise, but indicated that events may not be as they seemed. Parish commented: "It looks really bad as he gets Denise in a headlock and chokes her. If she survives, it'll be a miracle." Following the episode where Denise appeared to be strangled by Lucas, entertainment journalist Sharon Marshall
appeared on This Morning
, saying there would be "twists and turns" but would not confirm whether Denise was dead or alive. It ultimately transpired that Lucas had faked Denise's death to hold her hostage in a basement. Parish found it difficult to keep details of the storyline a secret, and struggled to lie when questioned by members of the public.
Questioned about the future for Denise following the departure of her daughters, Parish responded: "She is lost without her babies, but then her sister Kim comes along and she's a brilliant distraction. As for men, I think Denise should give them up and get a cat, but I'm sure she'll end up in another destructive relationship." She told Daniel Kilkelly of entertainment website Digital Spy
: "I don't think she'll be looking for a new man any time soon. I think she's just going to take it easy on the man front. I think what needs to happen with the family is that everybody just needs to find their own way to find their own peace. I think that's the future really for all of them."
, while Denise was nominated in the "I'm A Survivor" category at the All About Soap
Bubble Awards. In 2009, Parish was nominated for the "Best Actress" award at the Inside Soap Awards
, and in 2010, she received a nomination for the "Best Soap Actress" award at the TV Choice awards. In January 2011, Parish was nominated for Serial Drama Performance at the 2011 National Television Awards
for her portrayal of Densie but did not make it through to the shortlist.
In 2009, Ruth Deller of entertainment website Lowculture
—who runs a monthly feature chronicling the most popular and unpopular soap opera characters—profiled Denise, stating: "The Foxes are one of the strongest families on EastEnders at the moment, and that's pretty much all down to Denise, who is a-mazing. We also love her frenemy-ness with Zainab." Jim Shelley
of the Daily Mirror questioned the credulity of the storyline which saw Lucas hold Denise hostage having faked her suicide. He quoted Denise's line: "Another thing I don't get. Why am I supposed to have killed myself? What 'reason' did I have?!" observing: "NO REASON of course. The writers hadn't even made one up - although that didn't stop Walford CID quickly deciding Denise had killed Owen and Trina even though they had no evidence and she had a watertight alibi." Nathan Bevan of the Wales on Sunday also deemed the storyline far-fetched, commenting: "she'd been kept prisoner in the basement of the abandoned house next door [...] and no one heard her screaming for help through the walls? What part of the East End is this?" Inside Soap
stated in January 2011 that whilst Denise headed up the Fox family, they were "a right bunch of miseries" and opined they would party with lively sister Kim and only let Denise come if she "promises to crack a smile".
Fictional character
A character is the representation of a person in a narrative work of art . Derived from the ancient Greek word kharaktêr , the earliest use in English, in this sense, dates from the Restoration, although it became widely used after its appearance in Tom Jones in 1749. From this, the sense of...
from the BBC
BBC
The British Broadcasting Corporation is a British public service broadcaster. Its headquarters is at Broadcasting House in the City of Westminster, London. It is the largest broadcaster in the world, with about 23,000 staff...
soap opera
Soap opera
A soap opera, sometimes called "soap" for short, is an ongoing, episodic work of dramatic fiction presented in serial format on radio or as television programming. The name soap opera stems from the original dramatic serials broadcast on radio that had soap manufacturers, such as Procter & Gamble,...
EastEnders
EastEnders
EastEnders is a British television soap opera, first broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC One on 19 February 1985 and continuing to today. EastEnders storylines examine the domestic and professional lives of the people who live and work in the fictional London Borough of Walford in the East End...
, played by Diane Parish
Diane Parish
Diane Parish is a British actress best known for her role as Denise Johnson in the BBC Soap EastEnders and DC Eva Sharpe in The Bill.-Career:...
. She made her first appearance on 11 May 2006. Parish temporarily left EastEnders in early 2008 to give birth to her second child. Her exit coincided with the permanent departures of cast members Phil Daniels
Phil Daniels
Philip W. "Phil" Daniels is an English actor, most noted for film and television roles as "cockneys" such as Jimmy in Quadrophenia, Richards in Scum, Stewart in The Class of Miss MacMichael, Mark in Meantime, Kevin Wicks in EastEnders, DCS Frank Patterson in New Tricks and Edward Kitchener "Ted"...
(Kevin Wicks
Kevin Wicks
Kevin Wicks is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Phil Daniels. He made his first appearance on 17 February 2006...
), Kellie Shirley
Kellie Shirley
Kellie Shirley is a British actress. She is mostly known the role of Carly Wicks in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders up until 2008...
(Carly Wicks
Carly Wicks
Carly Wicks is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Kellie Shirley, and by Michaela Stephen in a home movie the Wickses watched on 23 April 2007. She made her first appearance on 17 February 2006. Carly was axed from the serial after Phil Daniels quit. Carly is...
) and Matt Di Angelo
Matt Di Angelo
Matt Di Angelo in London, England is an English actor and singer.He is mostly known for playing fictional character Deano Wicks in the popular British soap EastEnders, and for his current role of Sean Kennedy in the BBC series Hustle.-Education:He attended Southgate School, and started studying...
(Deano Wicks
Deano Wicks
Dean "Deano" Wicks is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders played by Matt Di Angelo. He made his first appearance on 2 January 2006. It was announced on 18 August 2007 that the characters of Deano and his sister Carly were being axed by executive producer Diederick Santer...
). She returned to Walford on 6 June 2008.
Backstory
Brought up by her mother Ada, Denise never knew her father; the only clue she had as to his identity was that he played in a band called "The Five Hectors", the members of which were Patrick TruemanPatrick Trueman
Patrick Neville Loftus Alfonso Trueman is a fictional character from the popular British BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Rudolph Walker. He made his first appearance on 13 September 2001.-Backstory:...
(Rudolph Walker
Rudolph Walker
Rudolph Walker, OBE is a British character actor. Born in Trinidad and Tobago, Walker came to the United Kingdom in 1960....
), Aubrey Valentine (Joseph Marcell
Joseph Marcell
Joseph Marcell is a St. Lucian-born British actor, best known for his work as Geoffrey the English butler on the NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.-Early life and career:...
), Cedric Lucas (Ram John Holder
Ram John Holder
Ram John Holder is a British actor. He began his performing career as a folk singer in New York. In 1962 he came to London and worked with Pearl Connor's Negro Theatre Workshop initially as a musician, and later as an actor...
), Dwight and Earl. Denise and Lucas Johnson
Lucas Johnson
Lucas Aaron Johnson is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Don Gilet. He made his first on-screen appearance on 3 April 2008. Lucas is introduced as a preacher and estranged father of established character Chelsea Fox. He has a son, Jordan, and goes on to marry...
(Don Gilet
Don Gilet
Don Gilet is a British actor, best known for his roles in BBC productions Babyfather, EastEnders and 55 Degrees North. Don's surname is actually pronounced 'Gillit' but takes the stage name 'Jillay'.-Personal life:...
) had a relationship when they were teenagers and she fell pregnant with his baby at sixteen. He was a drug addict and constantly let her down. He could not cope with being a father and fled, leaving Denise to bring up their daughter Chelsea
Chelsea Fox
Chelsea Fox is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Tiana Benjamin. She first appeared on 5 May 2006 and was joined by her mother Denise and her half sister Libby. Benjamin announced her departure from the show in April 2010...
(Tiana Benjamin
Tiana Benjamin
Tiana Opium Benjamin is a British actress best known for playing Chelsea Fox in the long-running BBC soap opera EastEnders.Benjamin trained at The Anna Scher Theatre School in London....
) alone. Denise went on to meet Owen Turner
Owen Turner
Owen Turner is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Lee Ross. He originally appeared in the show in 2006, and then returned in 2009. His character left in 2009 after being murdered by Lucas Johnson.-Storylines:...
(Lee Ross
Lee Ross (actor)
Lee Ross is an English professional actor best known for his role as Dodger in Dodger, Bonzo and the Rest. He has also starred in, Press Gang, Secrets & Lies, The Catherine Tate Show and most recently as Owen Turner in the BBC soap opera EastEnders.-Career:His first acting role was as Fat Sam in...
) in 1989 and after starting a relationship, she fell pregnant in late 1990. Owen and Denise married in a shotgun ceremony a few months later, and Denise gave birth to daughter Libby
Libby Fox
Elizabeth "Libby" Fox is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera, EastEnders, played by Belinda Owusu. She made her first appearance on 22 May 2006 and left in 2010. She is the daughter of Denise Fox and Owen Turner, and half sister of Chelsea Fox. The Fox family were introduced by executive...
(Belinda Owusu
Belinda Owusu
Belinda Ruth Owusu is a British actress, who rose to prominence in 2006, aged 17, when she won the role of Libby Fox in BBC's EastEnders.-Career:...
) in July 1991. Owen was a doting father but later became an alcoholic in 1999 and was abusive to Denise. Denise eventually left him, taking the children with her. Their divorce was finalised a year later, 2000.
2006–08
Kevin Wicks
Kevin Wicks is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Phil Daniels. He made his first appearance on 17 February 2006...
(Phil Daniels
Phil Daniels
Philip W. "Phil" Daniels is an English actor, most noted for film and television roles as "cockneys" such as Jimmy in Quadrophenia, Richards in Scum, Stewart in The Class of Miss MacMichael, Mark in Meantime, Kevin Wicks in EastEnders, DCS Frank Patterson in New Tricks and Edward Kitchener "Ted"...
); however, an attraction develops and they begin dating. Problems arise when Denise's ex-husband Owen tries to reunite with Libby. Denise is opposed to this but with Libby's encouragement, she begins to warm to Owen again. They sleep together, which ends her relationship with Kevin. However, Denise regrets her actions, and when she tells him this, he beats her. Owen apologises when he is sober, but Chelsea persuades Denise to banish him from their lives, after which he turns violent again; he beats Denise and takes Kevin hostage at knife point, until he is arrested. Libby persuades Denise to provide a character witness for Owen at his trial; he is subsequently given a suspended sentence, but upon his release he kidnaps Libby, phoning Denise to tell her that he is going to kill her and commit suicide. Denise rushes to Epping Forest
Epping Forest
Epping Forest is an area of ancient woodland in south-east England, straddling the border between north-east Greater London and Essex. It is a former royal forest, and is managed by the City of London Corporation....
, where Owen is, but this causes him to try to drown Libby and himself. Denise and Kevin find Libby unconscious, but she survives and Owen is imprisoned. In the wake of her family's ordeal, Denise reunites with Kevin and moves her family in with his.
In October 2006, Patrick reveals that he played in "The Five Hectors" during his youth, leading Denise to conclude that he might be her long lost father. Patrick has a paternity test which confirms that he is not Denise's father, but after growing close to Libby, he pretends he is. Denise finally discovers the truth while holidaying with Patrick in Dorset, but despite her upset, she forgives him for lying. When Kevin's ex-wife, Shirley Carter (Linda Henry
Linda Henry
Linda Henry is an English actress, best known for her roles as Yvonne Atkins in the ITV television drama Bad Girls and Shirley Carter in the BBC's soap opera EastEnders.- Early life :...
), arrives in Walford, she causes numerous problems for Denise and Kevin. Shirley reveals Kevin's secret, that he is not the biological father of Shirley's children Deano
Deano Wicks
Dean "Deano" Wicks is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders played by Matt Di Angelo. He made his first appearance on 2 January 2006. It was announced on 18 August 2007 that the characters of Deano and his sister Carly were being axed by executive producer Diederick Santer...
(Matt Di Angelo
Matt Di Angelo
Matt Di Angelo in London, England is an English actor and singer.He is mostly known for playing fictional character Deano Wicks in the popular British soap EastEnders, and for his current role of Sean Kennedy in the BBC series Hustle.-Education:He attended Southgate School, and started studying...
) and Carly
Carly Wicks
Carly Wicks is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Kellie Shirley, and by Michaela Stephen in a home movie the Wickses watched on 23 April 2007. She made her first appearance on 17 February 2006. Carly was axed from the serial after Phil Daniels quit. Carly is...
(Kellie Shirley
Kellie Shirley
Kellie Shirley is a British actress. She is mostly known the role of Carly Wicks in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders up until 2008...
), and in the wake of this, Kevin flees, abandoning Denise. Upset, Denise threatens to move away, but she is stopped by Kevin, who returns and proposes marriage. Denise initially rejects him, but eventually accepts. Shirley tries to ruin their wedding by turning up at the ceremony to inform Denise about a recent sexual encounter she had with Kevin; however, Kevin has already confessed and Shirley's attempt at stirring only encourages her to go through with the wedding, though she kicks Kevin in the groin before saying "I do".
Throughout the remainder of 2007, Denise weathers various problems, including Chelsea and Deano's imprisonment for framing Sean Slater
Sean Slater
Sean Slater is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Robert Kazinsky. Sean left the Square temporarily on 27 March 2007, as Kazinsky was suspended from work for two months. He returned on 28 May 2007...
(Robert Kazinsky
Robert Kazinsky
Robert Kazinsky is an English actor and model. He is best known for his appearances as Casper Rose in Sky One drama Dream Team in 2005/2006 and Sean Slater in the BBC One soap opera EastEnders from 2006 to 2009.-Background:Kazinsky was born in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, England, the son of...
), Kevin's dishonesty when he attempts to cover their crime, and a feud with her boss at the post office, Zainab Masood
Zainab Masood
Zainab Masood is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by comedienne Nina Wadia. She made her first appearance on 16 July 2007.-Backstory:...
(Nina Wadia
Nina Wadia
-Television and film:Wadia first came to prominence in BBC sketch show Goodness Gracious Me, playing characters such as Mrs "I can make it at home for nothing!" and one half of The Competitive Mothers...
), which causes Denise to lose her job and get reinstated several times. In December 2007, Kevin starts selling cars for Phil Mitchell
Phil Mitchell
Philip James "Phil" Mitchell is a long-running fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Steve McFadden.Phil first arrived in Albert Square on 20 February 1990, and was soon joined by his brother, Grant, sister Sam and mother Peggy...
(Steve McFadden
Steve McFadden
Steve McFadden is an English actor, known for his role as Phil Mitchell in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, which he has played since1990.-Early life:...
), but later discovers they are cut-and-shut
Lemon (automobile)
A lemon is a car, often new, that is found to be defective only after it has been bought. Any vehicle with numerous, severe issues can be termed a "lemon", and, by extension, any product with flaws too great or severe to serve its purpose can be described as a "lemon".-Origin:The use of the word...
s; he tries to destroy the cars but has a fatal motor accident on New Year's Eve 2007 whilst doing this. Denise is devastated to receive the news of Kevin's death and following his funeral in January 2008, she decides to travel the world with Carly and scatter his ashes.
2008—
Denise returns to Walford in June 2008, but is angry to discover Chelsea is using drugs and is in contact with her father, Lucas Johnson. Denise is initially hostile to Lucas, but she warms to him when she sees he has changed and they eventually reunite. Despite some hitches, Denise proposes to Lucas and they make plans to marry, although their plans are thwarted when it is revealed that Lucas is still married to a woman named Trina (Sharon Duncan BrewsterSharon Duncan Brewster
Sharon Duncan-Brewster, more commonly known as Sharon Duncan Brewster, is a Black British actress...
), the mother of his son Jordan (Michael-Joel David Stuart
Michael-Joel David Stuart
Michael-Joel David Stuart is a young British actor.Michael-Joel made his television debut in the BBC's award-winning drama production . He also performed as young Sunny in the West-End musical Daddy Cool and as young Simba in the West-End musical The Lion King. In 2007 he played Buckwheat in the...
). Trina turns up in Walford and reveals that she and Lucas had a fling at Christmas. Denise forgives Lucas but Trina continues to interfere in their relationship. Unknown to Denise, Lucas and Trina have sex again. Trina tries to seduce Lucas in a shed but he pushes her away and her throat is impaled on a rake. He manipulates the situation to make it seem Trina suffered a drugs-related death, and the police come to the conclusion that Trina's demise was accidental. Owen, however, suspects Lucas' involvement in her death, and attempts to dissuade Denise from marrying him. When Owen threatens to go to the police, Lucas murders him by strangulation, and the wedding goes ahead.
Owen's body is discovered eight months later. Lucas confesses to Denise, claiming he killed him in self defence. Denise is initially horrified, but urges Lucas not to tell the police. He later confesses to her that he could have saved Trina's life but chose not to, then says he will go to the police and tell them everything. Instead, he takes Denise to a canal, intending to baptise her. When Denise refuses to submit to God, he strangles her until she goes limp. He fakes Denise's suicide, implicating her in Trina and Owen's murders, while keeping Denise prisoner in the basement of the empty house next door. Lucas gradually comes to the realisation that his actions were wrong, and allows Denise to escape. She returns home to her shocked family, and as she explains events to them, but Lucas arrives and holds them hostage. When Jordan returns home, everyone manages to escape from the house, and Lucas is arrested. After a spell in hospital, Denise returns home to hear that Chelsea is planning to move to Spain with Owen's mother Liz (Kate Williams) to start a new life. Realising that her daughters will continue to be haunted by their past if they stay in Walford, Denise encourages Libby to leave with her sister and grandmother for a holiday before returning to university. After waving her daughters goodbye Denise breaks down, telling Patrick that she has lost her girls. The next day they both attend the funeral of the prostitute, Gemma (Rita Balogun), that Lucas murdered. When they return home, Denise's sister Kim
Kim Fox
Kimberley Harmony Angelica "Kim" Fox is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Tameka Empson. She is the half-sister of Denise Fox , and aunt to Chelsea Fox and Libby Fox...
(Tameka Empson
Tameka Empson
Tameka Empson is a British actress and comedienne who is perhaps best known for being one of the three protagonists in the hidden-camera comedy sketch show 3 Non Blondes.Tameka also featured in a episode of MI High : Red Button Rampage, Series one...
) arrives saying that she has left her boyfriend Dexter (Robbie Gee
Robbie Gee
Robbie Gee is a British actor, best known for his Desmond's character "Lee Stanley", and for appearing in Guy Ritchie's crime caper Snatch. He also appeared in the movie Mean Machine playing "Trojan".-Hosting:...
), and asks to move in with them.
In August, Jane Beale (Laurie Brett
Laurie Brett
Laurie Brett is a Scottish actress, currently known for her role as Jane Beale in EastEnders, in which she has starred since 2004.-Personal life:...
) confides in Denise about her husband Ian Beale
Ian Beale
Ian Albert Beale is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Adam Woodyatt. He is the longest-serving character and the only remaining original character to have appeared continuously since the first episode on 19 February 1985...
(Adam Woodyatt
Adam Woodyatt
Adam Brinley Woodyatt is an English actor and media personality, best known for his role as Ian Beale in the long-running BBC soap opera EastEnders...
) covering up his daughter's abortion. Jane plans to get her revenge by leaving Ian and taking all his money, after adopting his youngest son Bobby Beale, although Denise tries to convince her not to go through with it, after striking up a small friendship with Ian. A letter from the bank arrives for Jane to Denise's address, and Jane tells Denise to keep it as the bank were not supposed to send anything. Later, Kim brings the letter to Ian. Ian asks Jane about it and she says she has been putting money aside for a holiday, and is then forced to book one. Ian and Jane later get a divorce in May 2011.
In December, Lucas's sister, Gloria MacDonald (Michele Austin
Michele Austin
Michele Austin is a British actress best known for her role as PC Yvonne Hemmingway on ITV's The Bill, for which she won the Screen Nation award for best television actress in 2005....
) comes to the house to see Jordan. Denise demands that she leaves, and she does so. Jordan then says he thought his dad was supposed to be locked up, not him. Denise then lets Jordan stay with his aunt over Christmas, and also into the New Year. Kim leaves a bath running which floods Patrick's house. This forces Kim, Patrick and Denise to live with neighbours over Christmas while the house is repaired. Kim then suggests buying the house next door to run as a bed and breakfast with Denise, however, Denise refuses as it was the house in which Lucas kept her prisoner. When the B&B opens, Denise is disturbed by being in the house and people talking about what Lucas did. She talks to Zainab who helps her move on by destroying past memories of Lucas. She later attends Lucas's court hearing where he received life imprisonment.
Denise starts a relationship with Yusef Khan
Yusef Khan
Doctor Yusef Khan is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Ace Bhatti. Yusef is the father of Afia Khan and former husband of Zainab Masood . He appears from 23 November 2010. Described as strong-willed, he arrives as Walford's new general practitioner....
(Ace Bhatti
Ace Bhatti
Ahsen Rafiq "Ace" Bhatti is a British actor who trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He has starred in numerous television series, including New Street Law, Life Isn't All Ha Ha Hee Hee, The Sarah Jane Adventures as Haresh Chandra and in EastEnders playing Yusef...
), the new local GP. This annoys Zainab as Yusef is her ex-husband whose family burnt her in a fire, and Zainab tries to warn Denise off Yusef, saying she does not want Denise to get hurt, but Denise does not listen. Denise begins to worry that Yusef is not really interested in her, but he manages to convince her otherwise, despite the fact he actually has feelings for Zainab. Denise then helps Yusef's daughter, Afia Khan (Meryl Fernandes
Meryl Fernandes
Meryl Glynis Fernandes is an English actress. Her best known role is playing Afia Khan, a love interest for Tamwar Masood in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, originally making a guest appearance between the 29 December 2009 and 5 January 2010...
) prepare for her wedding to Tamwar Masood
Tamwar Masood
Tamwar Masood is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Himesh Patel. He made his first appearance on 1 October 2007.- Storylines :...
(Himesh Patel
Himesh Patel
Himesh Jitendra Patel is a British actor who began his career in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, playing Tamwar Masood. His first appearance on the programme was on 1 October 2007. Patel is also a member of the National Youth Theatre. He also appears in the 2010 spin-off series EastEnders: E20.-...
) and the pair strike up a bond. During Tamwar and Afia's Mehndi celebrations, Yusef's sister-in-law Shameem (Seeta Indrani
Seeta Indrani
Seeta Indrani is an English dancer and actress.-Performance:After graduation as a dancer from the London Contemporary Dance School, she took the role of Cassandra in the original 1981 West End production of Cats by Andrew Lloyd Webber...
) hears Yusef and Zainab talking about their history and assumes they are having an affair, which she later reveals to everyone. Denise is horrified at both Zainab and Yusef and Kim comforts her as she bemoans another failed relationship. Yusef and Zainab try to reconcile with Denise, but she refuses to listen.
In July, Denise offers to take and pick up Bobby to school for Ian and he is surprised by her offer. Later, as Denise talks to Janine Malloy (Charlie Brooks
Charlie Brooks
Charlene "Charlie" Brooks is a Welsh actress, best known for playing Janine Butcher on the BBC soap opera EastEnders.-Acting career:...
), Bobby falls off the swing and hurts his knee. Janine tells Ian that Denise failed to look after Bobby properly and a furious Ian marches round to see Denise, although he soon realises that Janine made it sound much worse than it actually was. He apologises to Denise and is clearly touched by her favour. Later that week, Denise is with Tanya Jessop (Jo Joyner
Jo Joyner
Joanne Mary Joyner is an English actress who is best known for her role as Tanya Branning in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, in which she has appeared since June 2006.-Career:...
) and her sister Rainie Cross
Rainie Cross
Lorraine "Rainie" Cross is a fictional character from the BBC One soap opera EastEnders, played by Tanya Franks. Rainie was introduced as the drug-addicted sister of Tanya Branning . After having three separate guest stints in 2007 , 2008 and 2010 , she returned on 12 April 2011 as a...
(Tanya Franks
Tanya Franks
Tanya Christine Franks is an English-based actress, writer and producer, who is most known for starring roles on television in Family Affairs, The Bill, Pulling and the role of Rainie Cross in EastEnders. Franks is also the founder of Stock-pot Productions, a theatre and media production company...
) when she spots Ian Beale and they exchange pleasantries. Tanya and Rainie pick up on this and accuse Denise and Ian of having feelings for one another, although Denise promptly denies it. Afterwards, Ian tells a bemused Denise that he sees her as 'one of the guys' and has no sexual feelings for her whatsoever. However, Ian soon develops feelings when he thinks Denise has developed feeling for him after hosting a birthday party for his son, Bobby. Ian tries to kiss Denise but she backs away and ends the party.
Development
On 7 November 2005, the BBC announced that Diane ParishDiane Parish
Diane Parish is a British actress best known for her role as Denise Johnson in the BBC Soap EastEnders and DC Eva Sharpe in The Bill.-Career:...
had been cast in EastEnders as a "sassy, strong" character with links to the established Wicks family, who would be "a force to be reckoned with." Parish had previously appeared in the serial as singer Lola Christie in 1998. In January 2006, Parish's character was revealed to be Denise Fox, who would embark on a romance with fellow newcomer Kevin Wicks
Kevin Wicks
Kevin Wicks is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Phil Daniels. He made his first appearance on 17 February 2006...
(Phil Daniels
Phil Daniels
Philip W. "Phil" Daniels is an English actor, most noted for film and television roles as "cockneys" such as Jimmy in Quadrophenia, Richards in Scum, Stewart in The Class of Miss MacMichael, Mark in Meantime, Kevin Wicks in EastEnders, DCS Frank Patterson in New Tricks and Edward Kitchener "Ted"...
). Tiana Benjamin
Tiana Benjamin
Tiana Opium Benjamin is a British actress best known for playing Chelsea Fox in the long-running BBC soap opera EastEnders.Benjamin trained at The Anna Scher Theatre School in London....
was cast as Denise's daughter Chelsea, and spoke of her admiration for Parish, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to work with her. Lara Gould of the Sunday Mirror
Sunday Mirror
The Sunday Mirror is the Sunday sister paper of the Daily Mirror. It began life in 1915 as the Sunday Pictorial and was renamed the Sunday Mirror in 1963. Trinity Mirror also owns The People...
described the new characters as the "feisty Fox family", revealing that Denise would have a second, younger daughter, Elizabeth
Libby Fox
Elizabeth "Libby" Fox is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera, EastEnders, played by Belinda Owusu. She made her first appearance on 22 May 2006 and left in 2010. She is the daughter of Denise Fox and Owen Turner, and half sister of Chelsea Fox. The Fox family were introduced by executive...
["Libby"], played by Belinda Owusu
Belinda Owusu
Belinda Ruth Owusu is a British actress, who rose to prominence in 2006, aged 17, when she won the role of Libby Fox in BBC's EastEnders.-Career:...
. Gould reported that the family would "arrive in Albert Square
Albert Square
Albert Square is the fictional location of the BBC soap opera EastEnders. It is ostensibly located in the equally fictional London borough of Walford in London's East End. The square's design was based on the real life Fassett Square in Hackney, and was given the name Albert Square after the real...
with a bang and [...] cause friction from the off", expanding: "The Fox girls don't take any nonsense – they'll be a force to be reckoned with." Lee Ross
Lee Ross (actor)
Lee Ross is an English professional actor best known for his role as Dodger in Dodger, Bonzo and the Rest. He has also starred in, Press Gang, Secrets & Lies, The Catherine Tate Show and most recently as Owen Turner in the BBC soap opera EastEnders.-Career:His first acting role was as Fat Sam in...
was later cast as Denise's ex-husband and Libby's father Owen Turner
Owen Turner
Owen Turner is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Lee Ross. He originally appeared in the show in 2006, and then returned in 2009. His character left in 2009 after being murdered by Lucas Johnson.-Storylines:...
. Kris Green of media and entertainment website Digital Spy
Digital Spy
Digital Spy is a British entertainment and media news website. According to Alexa Internet traffic statistics, as of February 2011, Digital Spy is the 93rd most popular website in the United Kingdom, with an overall Alexa ranking of 2,088....
described Owen as having had "a disappointing life", revealing that Denise had separated from him as a result of his heavy drinking.
Denise went on to marry Kevin, acting as stepmother to his children Carly
Carly Wicks
Carly Wicks is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Kellie Shirley, and by Michaela Stephen in a home movie the Wickses watched on 23 April 2007. She made her first appearance on 17 February 2006. Carly was axed from the serial after Phil Daniels quit. Carly is...
(Kellie Shirley
Kellie Shirley
Kellie Shirley is a British actress. She is mostly known the role of Carly Wicks in the popular BBC soap opera EastEnders up until 2008...
) and Deano
Deano Wicks
Dean "Deano" Wicks is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders played by Matt Di Angelo. He made his first appearance on 2 January 2006. It was announced on 18 August 2007 that the characters of Deano and his sister Carly were being axed by executive producer Diederick Santer...
(Matt Di Angelo
Matt Di Angelo
Matt Di Angelo in London, England is an English actor and singer.He is mostly known for playing fictional character Deano Wicks in the popular British soap EastEnders, and for his current role of Sean Kennedy in the BBC series Hustle.-Education:He attended Southgate School, and started studying...
). Parish briefly departed from the show to take maternity leave, and when Daniels declined to renew his contract, he, Shirley and Di Angelo were written out permanently, coinciding with Parish's temporary exit. In Denise's absence, Chelsea reunited with her estranged father Lucas Johnson
Lucas Johnson
Lucas Aaron Johnson is a fictional character from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, played by Don Gilet. He made his first on-screen appearance on 3 April 2008. Lucas is introduced as a preacher and estranged father of established character Chelsea Fox. He has a son, Jordan, and goes on to marry...
, with Don Gilet
Don Gilet
Don Gilet is a British actor, best known for his roles in BBC productions Babyfather, EastEnders and 55 Degrees North. Don's surname is actually pronounced 'Gillit' but takes the stage name 'Jillay'.-Personal life:...
cast in the role. Upon Parish's return, Denise and Lucas ultimately reunited, with Gilet commenting: "He's found a woman who's strong-willed, strong-minded, a good mother to their shared child and to Libby and [Lucas' son] Jordan (Michael-Joel David Stuart
Michael-Joel David Stuart
Michael-Joel David Stuart is a young British actor.Michael-Joel made his television debut in the BBC's award-winning drama production . He also performed as young Sunny in the West-End musical Daddy Cool and as young Simba in the West-End musical The Lion King. In 2007 he played Buckwheat in the...
). It's kind of ideal and he's worked so hard for it. Nothing, but nothing, should stop that - he deserves to have this. It's one of these situations where he likes the idea that he's earned this relationship. That seems to be more of a priority than the pure love he has for her. He loves what he's earned and he's now this respectable person who wants to hold on to what he has by any means necessary."
When Lucas' ex-wife Trina (Sharon Duncan Brewster
Sharon Duncan Brewster
Sharon Duncan-Brewster, more commonly known as Sharon Duncan Brewster, is a Black British actress...
) began interfering in their relationship, Lucas was instrumental in her death, and went on to kill Owen when he came close to discovering the truth. In May 2010, Green reported that in an upcoming episode, Lucas would be seen to strangle Denise and dispose of her body in a canal. He questioned whether Parish was to be written out of the soap, following the announcements that both Benjamin and Owusu would be leaving EastEnders later in 2010. Discussing the storyline, Gilet refused to reveal whether Lucas would kill Denise, but indicated that events may not be as they seemed. Parish commented: "It looks really bad as he gets Denise in a headlock and chokes her. If she survives, it'll be a miracle." Following the episode where Denise appeared to be strangled by Lucas, entertainment journalist Sharon Marshall
Sharon Marshall
Sharon Marshall is a British entertainment journalist best known for being the resident "Soap Expert" on ITV1's This Morning since 2003...
appeared on This Morning
This Morning (TV series)
This Morning is a British daytime television programme broadcast on ITV. As of September 2011, its main presenters are Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, and Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes, with various other presenters standing in for illness or contributing to sections of the programme.The...
, saying there would be "twists and turns" but would not confirm whether Denise was dead or alive. It ultimately transpired that Lucas had faked Denise's death to hold her hostage in a basement. Parish found it difficult to keep details of the storyline a secret, and struggled to lie when questioned by members of the public.
Questioned about the future for Denise following the departure of her daughters, Parish responded: "She is lost without her babies, but then her sister Kim comes along and she's a brilliant distraction. As for men, I think Denise should give them up and get a cat, but I'm sure she'll end up in another destructive relationship." She told Daniel Kilkelly of entertainment website Digital Spy
Digital Spy
Digital Spy is a British entertainment and media news website. According to Alexa Internet traffic statistics, as of February 2011, Digital Spy is the 93rd most popular website in the United Kingdom, with an overall Alexa ranking of 2,088....
: "I don't think she'll be looking for a new man any time soon. I think she's just going to take it easy on the man front. I think what needs to happen with the family is that everybody just needs to find their own way to find their own peace. I think that's the future really for all of them."
Reception
Parish has been nominated for several awards for her portrayal of Denise. In 2007, she was nominated for the "Best Actress" award at the British Soap AwardsBritish Soap Awards
The British Soap Awards is an annual awards ceremony to honour the best of British soap operas.The first event took place in 1999 and takes place in May each year. Although it is an ITV production, the events were held at the BBC Television Centre, in London until 2010. The 2011 awards relocated to...
, while Denise was nominated in the "I'm A Survivor" category at the All About Soap
All About Soap
All About Soap is a fortnightly UK magazine, released on Tuesday. Storylines of the shows it covers are from soap operas shown in the United Kingdom and from Australia....
Bubble Awards. In 2009, Parish was nominated for the "Best Actress" award at the Inside Soap Awards
Inside Soap Awards
The Inside Soap Awards is a yearly award ceremony run by Inside Soap magazine since 1996. The awards celebrate the British and Australian soap operas and their actors. Until 2007, EastEnders had won the award for "Best Soap" on every occasion...
, and in 2010, she received a nomination for the "Best Soap Actress" award at the TV Choice awards. In January 2011, Parish was nominated for Serial Drama Performance at the 2011 National Television Awards
National Television Awards
The National Television Awards is a British television awards ceremony, broadcast by the ITV network and initiated in 1995. The National Television Awards are the most prominent ceremony for which the results are voted on by the general public. Because of the way the awards are decided, winners are...
for her portrayal of Densie but did not make it through to the shortlist.
In 2009, Ruth Deller of entertainment website Lowculture
Lowculture
lowculture.co.uk is a UK television website founded in January 2003 by Paul Lang, who currently works as the art director of Doctor Who Adventures.-Purpose:...
—who runs a monthly feature chronicling the most popular and unpopular soap opera characters—profiled Denise, stating: "The Foxes are one of the strongest families on EastEnders at the moment, and that's pretty much all down to Denise, who is a-mazing. We also love her frenemy-ness with Zainab." Jim Shelley
Jim Shelley (TV critic)
Jim Shelley is a British television critic who writes a column for the Daily Mirror each Monday titled Shelleyvision. Prior to writing for the Daily Mirror he wrote for The Guardian and his collection of reviews "Interference: Tapehead vs. Television" was published by Atlantic Books...
of the Daily Mirror questioned the credulity of the storyline which saw Lucas hold Denise hostage having faked her suicide. He quoted Denise's line: "Another thing I don't get. Why am I supposed to have killed myself? What 'reason' did I have?!" observing: "NO REASON of course. The writers hadn't even made one up - although that didn't stop Walford CID quickly deciding Denise had killed Owen and Trina even though they had no evidence and she had a watertight alibi." Nathan Bevan of the Wales on Sunday also deemed the storyline far-fetched, commenting: "she'd been kept prisoner in the basement of the abandoned house next door [...] and no one heard her screaming for help through the walls? What part of the East End is this?" Inside Soap
Inside Soap
Inside Soap is a weekly UK magazine, released every Tuesday. It covers current and future storylines in soap operas shown in the United Kingdom....
stated in January 2011 that whilst Denise headed up the Fox family, they were "a right bunch of miseries" and opined they would party with lively sister Kim and only let Denise come if she "promises to crack a smile".