EastEnders favourite Diane Parish has revealed her surprise at Denise Fox’s love life being a key part of the upcoming 40th Anniversary celebrations.
The BBC soap will celebrate four decades on air later this month, with a spectacular live episode forming the centre piece.
There’ll also be a huge explosion at the iconic Queen Vic pub, a wedding between much-loved Billy (Perry Fenwick) and Honey Mitchell (Emma Barton) plus the reveal of the soap’s current whodunnit – Cindy Beale’s (Michelle Collins) attacker!
Outgoing boss Chris Clenshaw previously teased that viewers would be able to vote for the outcome in a romance story, which was later confirmed to be whether lovestruck Denise chooses her ex-husband Jack Branning (Scott Maslen), or old flame Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara).
Discussing the history-making moment, Clenshaw said: ‘We’re all so excited to give our audience their first ever chance to decide how one of our big storylines plays out.
‘Their votes will determine whether Denise picks Jack or Ravi, with the outcome being revealed as part of our live episode.
‘There is a lot to come over the next few weeks for all three involved, so it’ll be extremely exciting to see which way the audience choose to take the story!’
Now, Diane has opened up about the moment she was told the viewers would be deciding Denise’s fate.
‘I love that the viewers are voting on Denise’s choice between two men, not the blokes’ choice’ she told us.
‘I was shocked when I found out, but I knew I was blessed to tell this story with two amazing actors, Scott Maslen and Aaron Thiara.
‘It’s going to be so interesting as I click with both of them in different ways. The viewers’ choice is all about where the story goes next and what will make for great viewing.
‘This is EastEnders, and we want to give you the drama. With this story, we’ll give it to you in spades!’
Speaking of the moment Denise’s daughter Chelsea (Zaraah Abrahams) – who was previously in a relationship with Ravi – finds out about their romance, Diane continued: ‘It happens on the street, in front of absolutely everybody, all the Panesars and all the Fox-Trueman-Brannings.
‘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.
‘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.’
But who will Denise choose? Well, dear reader, that’s up to you!
