EastEnders fans were delighted to see Chelsea Fox back on screen, but their joy turned to frustration during Monday night's episode as they criticised a major retcon of her character. Zaraah Abrahams has played Chelsea since her return in 2020, but viewers were left questioning why she would knowingly date a married man after her traumatic history with Gray Atkins.
In the episode, Chelsea prepared for a third date with Damon, who was revealed to be married. Vicki Fowler overheard him on the phone to his wife and confronted him, but Chelsea admitted she knew he was married and did not see it as a problem. Vicki later pushed Damon into a washing machine after he made misogynistic comments, leaving him unconscious.
Fans took to social media to express their displeasure. One wrote: 'I can't believe they've retconned Chelsea's character like this - after everything that happened with Gray - Chelsea should be turned off those married men in suits.' Another added: 'Making Chelsea knowingly see a married man takes away from the message of misogyny from today's episode because women like her enable men like him to think that is ok.'
However, some defended the storyline, arguing that fans complain whether Chelsea has little screen time or a prominent role. 'You either want her on screen or you don't! Make yer mind up!' one viewer wrote.
Chelsea first appeared in 2006, played by Tiana Benjamin, and returned in 2020 with Abrahams in the role. She married Gray Atkins in 2021, who was later jailed for murder, and has since had a relationship with Ravi Gula.
