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EastEnders finally confirms beloved character return 20 years after debut amid emotional Denise Fox story

A family reunion at a tragic time.

Silhouette of Libby Fox in EastEnders

BBC/Radio Times

Published: Friday, 5 June 2026 at 11:00 am

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Squiggle is back in Albert Square! EastEnders has confirmed today (5 June) that Belinda Owusu will be reprising her Libby Fox role later this month, solving another mystery from January's flash-forward episode.

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The character, who originally appeared between 2006 and 2010, followed by series of guest appearances between 2014 and 2017, made an unannounced return on New Year's Day.

During the episode, she was seen searching for mum Denise (Diane Parish) with Patrick Trueman (Rudolph Walker), and noticing her phone ringing.

With this instalment set one year in the future, it became obvious that we'd see her again prior to that.

Owusu is already filming scenes on the BBC soap's set in Elstree, Hertfordshire, and will be on our screens within a matter of weeks.

Belinda Owusu as Libby Fox in EastEnders, wearing a green jacket and purple shirt.

Belinda Owusu as Libby Fox in EastEnders. BBC

Having been away for 9 years – and with fans finding much hilarity in the fact she's seemingly been studying for a degree at the University of Oxford for the last 16 years – she has an awful lot to catchup on. Sadly, it's not a happy occasion for the trio of original Fox women to reunite.

Denise has been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, an aggressive form of bloody cancer, and needs Libby's support. She also learns of nephew Jordan (Jahsaiah Williams) being hit by Ian Beale's (Adam Woodyatt) car, and helps sister Chelsea (Zaraah Abrahams) through his recovery.

As Abrahams took over the role of Chelsea from Tiana Benjamin, this is the first time that we'll see Owusu performing alongside her.

Speaking on her return, the star said: “I am beyond thrilled to be back on the Square. Getting the Foxes back together has been such a joy, full of fun and nostalgia! It’s been 20 years since I first joined, so coming back has been like returning home!

"It’s a really great team and I’ve been loving my time here. Libby is coming home to support her family during a difficult time, and it’s been so wonderful stepping back into her shoes and becoming a Fox again.”

Belinda Owusu as Libby Fox in EastEnders, wearing a green jacket and purple shirt, alongside Zaraah Abrahams as Chelsea Fox, who is wearing a denim skirt and brown jacket.

Belinda Owusu as Libby Fox in EastEnders. BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

Ben Wadey, executive producer added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Belinda back to the role of Libby Fox as we start to uncover another piece of the puzzle of the New Year’s Day flashforward storyline.

"Libby returns at a particularly emotional time for the Fox-Trueman family, and it’s clear that her family need her now more than ever.”

Owusu is only back for a "short stint", so it's currently unclear whether she'll make another departure, before returning again at New Year.

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Authors

Michael Adams wearing a white t-shirt and beige gilet against a white background

Michael AdamsSoaps Editor

Michael Adams is the Soaps Editor at Radio Times, covering all of the hot gossip and spoilers from Weatherfield to Walford, Emmerdale to Hollyoaks and everywhere in-between. He joined the team from Metro, where he spent two years as a Soaps Reporter and previously worked on the sets of both Coronation Street and Emmerdale.

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