EastEnders Denise Fox actress ‘getting hotter with age’ as past soap role exposed
EastEnders star Diane Parish has been playing Denise Fox in the BBC soap since 2006, but she was a familiar face in Walford years before
EastEnders icon Diane Parish is renowned for portraying Denise Fox, but she once held a completely different role in Walford.
The 56-year-old made her entrance to Albert Square as Denise in 2006, and has subsequently navigated numerous compelling storylines, including her union with serial killer Lucas Johnson (Don Gilet) and having a son with fellow soap legend Phil Mitchell (Steve McFadden) following a boozy one-night encounter.
The salon proprietor also became part of ‘The Six’ who concealed the killing of Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters) after Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) murdered him.
Denise’s trauma triggered a serious bout of psychosis caused by overwhelming stress, remorse, and exhaustion stemming from her participation in the Christmas Day events of 2023.
Diane Parish has played the iconic role of Denise Fox since 2006(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes)
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Denise’s romantic choices in Walford have also captivated audiences over the years, with her latest predicament seeing her attracted to local rogue Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) before reconciling with spouse Jack Branning (Scott Maslen), reports OK!.
While Diane may be best known for her portrayal of Denise on EastEnders, devoted soap enthusiasts might remember that she also embodied a different character years earlier.
In 1998, the performer took on the role of Lola Christie for six months, with the character appearing in 27 episodes.
She served as a romantic interest for Mick McFarlane, portrayed by Sylvester Williams, and performed as a vocalist in his jazz ensemble.
Diane Parish first appeared on EastEnders in 1998, playing singer Lola Christie.(Image: Mike Marsland/WireImage)
On Reddit, devotees of the BBC drama have been expressing their astonishment at how youthful Diane appeared in her initial role in EastEnders.
Posting a picture of Diane as Lola, one viewer commented: “January 1998, Diane Parish, who we know best as Denise Fox… Making her first appearance in EE as an auditionee for Lenny and Mick’s band.
“She ended up being the only one that could sing (in the loosest term possible lol), and was offered the job.”
A second fan remarked: “She’s barely aged! Gorgeous woman”, while a third added: “Some women get hotter as they age, like fine wine. It’s rare but it happens a lot these days.”
Diane Parish first appeared in EastEnders nearly 30 years aho(Image: BBC)
“She looks younger now than she does here!” one admirer posted, as another shared the view: “She just gets more beautiful the older she gets.”
Another viewer observed: “Diane’s gorgeous, and I swear she ages backward! I remember her as Lola Christie pretty well even though it was just a guest role. Diane admitted she wasn’t much of a singer lol.”
Prior to securing the role of Denise Fox, the actress portrayed DC Eva Sharpe in the ITV drama The Bill between 2002 and 2004, appearing in 91 episodes.
She also featured as Beth Taylor in Love Joy between 1993 and 1994, Shirley Robinson in The Vice in 2000, Sylvia Robinson in Clocking Off between 2000 and 2001, and Lesley Bailey in the series Babyfather between 2001 and 2002.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and iPlayer
