EastEnders' Denise to make tragic decision ahead of frightening collapse

EastEnders’ Denise Fox’s condition deteriorates next week, and concern for her health increases when she collapses. Exhausted by her treatment for blood cancer, and with no sign of a stem cell donor who could save her life, Denise fears that any hope of surviving her illness is starting to fade…

"She’s one of the toughest women you could ever meet, but this ordeal is really taking its toll on Denise," says our EastEnders insider. "Doctors have made it clear that finding a donor is her best chance of making it, but so far they’ve drawn a blank.

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"If they don’t get match soon, Denise’s future could look even bleaker than it already does. At this point, everyone is praying for a miracle."

It’s an agonising waiting game for positive news on the search for a stem cell donor. Desperate for a distraction, Denise tries to focus on the family and attempts to help Amy reignite her romance with Denzel – unaware her stepdaughter is being groomed by creepy Craig.

Feeling the strain of the gruelling treatment, Denise offloads to Kim and Chelsea about how she’s struggling to cope. Sad to see her so low, Denise’s relatives worry for her physical and mental wellbeing. But a heart-to-heart with someone unexpected starts to put things into perspective for her…

"Phil has a chat with Denise about how she’s feeling," reveals our source. "He encourages Denise to be more open with Jack, but by the end of their conversation she starts to question whether she’s strong enough to carry on with her treatment…"

The family continues to tread carefully around Denise, sensing she’s starting to run out of steam. Caring Jack does his best, but feels powerless to help his beleaguered other half as she wrestles with whether or not she can take the strain of more draining treatment.

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Not wanting to stress her loved ones out any more than they already are, Denise is determined to handle this on her own terms and puts the barriers up. Amy accuses her of shutting everybody out, and the situation with Denise’s long-lost brother Darnell potentially being a match only adds to the tension in the household.

Having recently returned to the Square, Ash is upset to hear about Denise’s diagnosis and seeks her out. With her doctor’s hat on, Ash does her best to reassure Denise through this scary time. Soon, everyone is grateful for Ash’s assistance when events take a frightening turn…

"Denise is out on the Square when she suddenly collapses to the ground!" says our insider. "It’s lucky that Ash is on the scene, as she swoops to Denise’s aid. Having to watch Denise suffer like this is so tough."

Has Denise been pushed to the limit? And will this affect what decision she makes about stopping her treatment?

For free and confidential support and information on blood cancer and life after a diagnosis, contact Blood Cancer UK online, by phone on 0808 2080 888 or via email at support@bloodcancer.org.uk.

EastEnders airs on Mondays - Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer, where most episodes drop early at 6am ahead of their TV broadcast.