EastEnders airs surprise return for iconic character after almost a decade away
One character who left EastEnders almost 10 years ago has made a surprise return in the New Year's Day episode, providing the biggest hint yet about who Max Branning is marrying in 2027
One character who left EastEnders almost 10 years ago has made a surprise return(Image: BBC)
EastEnders have brought back an iconic character to Walford, and she is the biggest hint yet about who Max Branning’s mystery bride is. The Queen of Oxford herself, Libby Fox has returned after almost a decade away.
Libby was last seen on EastEnders in early 2017, when her mother, Denise, gave birth to her half-brother Raymond. Libby returned for the birth but went back to Oxford, where she had been living since going to university there, shortly after. As such, her return in the flash forward to 2027 comes nine years after she was last seen and 10 years in the timeline of the show.
During the New Year’s Day episode, Libby is only seen briefly. She and Patrick Trueman enter his home, looking for Denise. The kitchen is littered with wedding day prep, including a white dress and white heels. But Denise is no where to be seen. Libby picks up her mother’s phone when it rings and says to Patrick: “Look who it is.”
EastEnders have brought back an iconic character(Image: BBC)
Jack Branning had been trying to get a hold of whomever the bride is, and after he called her, the episode cut to three women preparing for the wedding when their phones ring. Those women were Cindy Beale, Linda Carter and Chelsea Fox. But Libby picking up Denise’s phone also throws her in the mix.
The character’s return has set the fans wild. Many are now convinced that either Denise or Chelsea must be marrying Max. Firstly because of all the wedding prep in Patrick’s house – neither Cindy nor Linda, the other teased brides, would be getting ready there. Secondly, many wonder why Libby would be back if it weren’t her mother or sister getting married.
Libby has had some iconic storylines on EastEnders. When she was a child, she was kidnapped and drugged by her alcoholic father Owen Turner, who tried to k.i.l.l her and himself in Epping Forest. Libby escaped but collapsed by a stream, and was hospitalised after Denise found her.
Libby is Denise’s daughter(Image: BBC )
Libby did not see her father again until years later when he was released from prison. She first sees him in Walford when he is having dinner with her boyfriend Darren Miller, who asks Owen’s permission to marry Libby.
At the time, Denise was dating Lucas Johnson, who had Owen arrested for breaching his bail conditions. Though Libby convinces Owen to leave Lucas and Denise alone, he eventually crashes Denise’s hen do to warn her that Lucas had m.u.r.d.e.r.e.d his ex-wife Trina.
Owen was later m.u.r.d.e.r.e.d by Lucas, who also faked Denise’s d.e.a.t.h whilst keeping her locked in a basement. It is on Libby’s birthday, that Denise escapes and reveals Lucas had been holding her hostage.
Years later, Libby helps Denise escape Lucas’ son Jordan, who had imprisoned her in her own house whilst trying to help his dad escape prison.
Libby’s final storyline involved discovering she was pregnant and deciding to get an abortion. Libby and Denise clashed over this, but ultimately, Denise chose to support her daughter.
