Denise Fox (Diane Parish) and Ravi Gulati’s (Aaron Thiara) secret relationship becomes public knowledge in EastEnders next week – and it’s all thanks to the most unlikely of characters.
The pair have been enjoying an affair in recent weeks, but Denise is still battling feelings for her ex-husband Jack Branning (Scott Maslen).
They’ve kept their romance under wraps for a number of reasons, not least for fear of upsetting Denise’s daughter Chelsea Fox (Zaraah Abrahams), who dated Ravi back in 2023.
But that’s exactly what happens next week, when none other than Bernie Taylor (Clair Norris) inadvertently leads her to the truth.
After a row about Ravi’s shady dealings, he visits Denise at No. 20 to make a grand gesture, and it’s not long before things get passionate.
However, Bernie mistakenly believes a burglar has broken into No.20, leading to the pair’s secret relationship being exposed.
‘It happens on the street, in front of absolutely everybody, all the Panesars and all the Fox-Trueman-Brannings,’ reveals Diane Parish, who plays Denise.
‘The main thought in Denise’s mind is, “What have I done to my daughter?”. Yes, it’s embarrassing and humiliating, and everyone can see them, but she mostly cares about Chelsea.
For her daughter to find out that way is the worst-case scenario.
‘She also thinks, “Oh God, what have I done to Jack” and Scott Maslen plays the devastation on Jack’s face so beautifully,’ Diane continues.
‘Denise told Jack she was seeing someone else, but for him to find out it’s Ravi at this moment, just when Jack was feeling optimistic about them, is horrible.’
There are more twists to come in the storyline, however, as fans will get to vote on whether Denise should be with Jack or Ravi as part of the soap’s 40th anniversary next month.
The outcome of the viewer vote will then be played out during a special live episode during the week of celebrations.
