EastEnders fans will be able to have their say on whether Denise Fox chooses Ravi or Jack – as Diane Parish teases huge drama ahead of the 40th anniversary special
The countdown to EastEnders’ 40th anniversary week is on, and the buzz just got bigger with the reveal that the much-awaited live episode will air on Thursday, February 20th. In a groundbreaking move for soaps, viewers will have the power to decide whether Denise Fox ends up with Ravi Gulati or Jack Branning by casting their votes.
Currently, Denise is caught in a love triangle with her ex Jack and Walford’s bad boy Ravi, but it won’t be her making the final decision – it’s all down to the BBC audience. The suspenseful outcome will unfold during the live episode, following an hour-long special set to broadcast on February 19th.
Diane Parish, who portrays Denise, expressed her surprise about the unique plot twist: “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,” she shared. “It’s going to be so interesting as I click with both of them in different ways.”
Diane is thrilled about the interactive aspect of the storyline, adding: “I love that the viewers are voting on Denise’s choice between two men, not the blokes’ choice!” reports the Mirror.
The star spilled the tea on the upcoming love triangle drama, revealing a public smooch with Ravi that’s set to stir the pot. But it’s not all smooth sailing for the duo.
Denise starts to have doubts about Ravi after she confronts him over his dodgy dealings. “Denise is angry because Ravi has tried to convince her that he’s a better person, and she sees that promise in him, but she walks in to hear him on the phone and realises he’s still doing this behind her back,” she dished out.
Their fiery connection causes a scene as Denise and Ravi lock lips “happens on the street, in front of absolutely everybody, all the Panesars and all the Fox-Trueman-Brannings.”
The aftermath leaves her gutted, worrying about the impact on her daughter Chelsea, who’s an ex of Ravi’s. “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 said, And naturally, it’s a blow for Jack too.
Ravi and Denise rekindled their old spark on Christmas Day, but they’ve already been busted by Ravi’s son Nugget, who’s mourning his grandad Nish. Is Nugget plotting payback if the couple continues their romance?
EastEnders’ Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw shared his excitement about the interactive life episode, saying: “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!”
