In a stunning twist that has set the Walford rumour mill into overdrive, BBC's EastEnders welcomed back a fan-favourite character on New Year's Day, absent from our screens for almost a full decade.
The Shocking Comeback
The iconic return was none other than Libby Fox, the daughter of Denise Fox, who made a brief but pivotal appearance during the episode's flash forward to the year 2027. Libby was last seen in early 2017, departing for Oxford after the birth of her half-brother, Raymond. Her surprise re-entry into Albert Square, now played out nine years later in real time and a decade within the show's timeline, has sent speculation about a looming wedding into a frenzy.
The scene saw Libby enter Patrick Trueman's home alongside her grandfather, searching for her mother, Denise. The kitchen was strewn with clear signs of wedding day preparations, including a white dress and a pair of heels. When Denise's phone began to ring, Libby picked it up and showed Patrick the caller ID, uttering the telling line, "Look who it is."
The Bride Mystery Deepens
This moment is a crucial piece in the puzzle of Max Branning's mystery bride. Earlier in the episode, Jack Branning was seen trying to call the unknown bride-to-be. The action then cut to three women—Cindy Beale, Linda Carter, and Chelsea Fox—whose phones simultaneously rang, placing them all in the frame.
However, Libby's presence at Patrick's house, specifically handling her mother's phone, strongly implicates the Fox women. Fans have been quick to deduce that the wedding preparations happening in Patrick's home would logically be for either Denise or her daughter Chelsea, not Cindy or Linda. Furthermore, many are questioning why Libby would make such a dramatic return if not for the marriage of her mother or sister.
Libby Fox's Turbulent Walford History
Libby, originally played by child actress Belinda Owusu, has been central to some of EastEnders' most harrowing plots. As a child, she was kidnapped and drugged by her alcoholic father, Owen Turner, in a traumatic storyline that culminated in an attempted murder-suicide in Epping Forest. Libby managed to escape but collapsed and was later hospitalised.
Her fraught relationship with her father continued into adulthood, intersecting dangerously with Denise's relationship with the murderous Lucas Johnson. Owen was later killed by Lucas, who subsequently faked Denise's death and held her captive in a basement. In a dramatic turn, Denise escaped on Libby's birthday to reveal the truth.
Libby also played a key role in helping her mother years later when she was imprisoned by Lucas's son, Jordan. Her final major storyline before leaving saw her clash with Denise over a decision to have an abortion, a conflict that was ultimately resolved with maternal support.
This unexpected return has electrified the show's fanbase, transforming online forums and social media into a detective agency focused on unmasking Max's bride. With the flash forward placing the wedding three years in the future, EastEnders has masterfully planted a clue that will have viewers dissecting every episode until 2027.
