BBC to host special EastEnders for 20th anniversary

EastEnders is airing a special night. <i>(Image: PA)</i>
EastEnders is airing a special night. (Image: PA)
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The BBC is to host a special night dedicated to a beloved EastEnders character's 20th anniversary.

On Monday, May 11, the night will celebrate Denise Fox, played by Diane Parish, who will mark two decades on the soap.

Parish first appeared in Walford for six months in 1998 as the singer Lola Christie.

But the actor later returned in 2006 as the feisty salon owner, Denise.


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EastEnders to mark 20th anniversary of Denise Fox

Airing on BBC Three, a selection of EastEnders episodes will air from 8pm to 11pm, followed by the documentary 'Manosphere', which Parish fronts.

The episodes will highlight some of Denise's biggest lines, including exposing her serial killer husband, Lucas Johnson (Don Gilet) and when she became entwined with the murder of Keanu Taylor (Danny Walters).

Plus, fans will be able to rewatch the time Denise had to choose between Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) and Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara).

The BBC will air the following episodes of Denise Fox, according to the Radio Times:

  • 8pm - The downfall of Lucas Johnson (2010)
  • 8.30pm - Denise and Ian Beale kiss (2013)
  • 9pm - Keanu Taylor dies on Christmas Day (2023)
  • 10pm - Denise chooses between Jack and Ravi (2025)
  • 10.30pm - Joel Marshall's behaviour takes a turn (2025)
  • 11pm - EastEnders Investigates: The Manosphere (2025)

Forgotten EastEnders star has a new career after exit

Carli Norris, who played Belinda Slater on the soap opera, left Walford behind in 2016.

She now runs an online boutique called Chocodolly, which specialises in handmade dresses inspired by gowns worn in the 1950s.


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The actor, who played the sister of fan-favourites Kat, Lynne and Little Mo, also hosts a podcast called Meditating in High Heels.

The podcast aims to help listeners be "fabulously spiritual".

Beyond this, she runs another firm called Red Carpet Hosts with her partner, Dom, which offers wedding, funeral and family celebrants.

How's your favourite EastEnders character? Let us know in the comments.

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