Walford Gazette [Vol II.] #24

All the latest updates and news down Walford way!

EDITORIAL

Tuesday 9th June 2026

Get the kettle on, EastEnders fans, because we have a massive week ahead in Albert Square. From heart-breaking public announcements to tense financial dilemmas, the residents of Walford are facing some of their toughest moments yet… and, luckily for some, there’s an old face back to lighten the load.

Welcome home, Libby Fox! Actress Belinda Owusu, who was last seen before this year’s flashforward episode in 2017, is back for a short stint, but we know it takes her to at least January! It’s also the first time the Fox sisters have been onscreen together since 2010!

**Libby** is back home, where she belongs!

The Fox-Trueman family initially rallies together to support Chelsea and Jordan. However, things take a happier turn when Denise spots Kim‘s new ring, prompting the family to head to the Queen Vic to celebrate the engagement.

But behind the smiles, tension is simmering. Jack thinks Denise needs to be at Walford General starting her treatment instead of partying, and he confides his mounting worries in Phil. Drama explodes when Jack and Phil show up right in the middle of Kim’s speech. A panicked Denise fears they are about to expose her secret, and Chelsea begins to realize something is seriously wrong with her mum. After retreating to the toilets to gather herself, Denise decides she’s done hiding: she returns to the pub and publicly announces she has cancer. Following the emotional revelation, she heads back to the hospital, vowing to get better for her family.

**Denise** continues to hide her diagnosis…

Following the shock news, Chelsea calls Libby, who immediately hotfoots it back to Walford. But Denise’s illness isn’t the only crisis brewing. Libby quickly discovers that Chelsea is facing a financial fiasco of her own; Chelsea confesses she has been receiving financial cheques for baby Jordan from Gray’s grandmother, Sheila, but hasn’t been cashing them.

Libby gently points out that with the rising costs of caring for her son, Chelsea can’t really afford to be so principled right now. Chelsea eventually relents and agrees to meet with Jordan’s great-grandmother. During the meeting, Sheila reveals she no longer has any contact with Gray, which convinces Chelsea to accept the financial support. However, guilt quickly sets in, and Chelsea is left having serious second thoughts about keeping the cash.

**Chelsea** is noticing her mum’s behaviour…

Over with Vinny, he’s left feeling a bit sidelined when he attends Penny’s birth plan appointment. Determined to prove he is 100% committed to both her and the baby, Vinny steps up and asks Penny to move in with him. It’s a huge step forward for the couple, but Penny is immediately left worrying about exactly how Gina is going to take the news.

After feeling left out, **Vinny** suggests **Penny** move in!

In some lighter news, Honey is finally feeling recovered enough to head out on a date with Billy. The date itself seems to go well, but the real intrigue happens afterward. Bea is left incredibly intrigued when she happens to overhear Billy chatting with Alfie about exactly how the night unfolded. What did Billy say? We’ll have to tune in to find out!

And finally, Ian Beale is making ruthless business moves. Worried that Johnny isn’t fully focused on his legal case, Ian abruptly sacks him. But he isn’t giving up the fight—Ian immediately turns to Kathy, asking her for the cash needed to hire a top-tier solicitor instead!

When will Ian learn that you can’t throw money at everything and just hope for the best?

Until next time…

The Curator

Week Commencing: 15th – 18th June 2026

Directed by: Vito Bruno

Monday 15th June 2026
Written by: Chloe Timms

Jack confides in Phil about Denise’s refusal to start treatment. The two men team up as they wonder how to get through to her. When the Fox-Truemans celebrate Kim and Howie’s engagement, Chelsea notices that Denise seems distracted. Denise is surprised when Phil confronts her about her illness, so she ignores his intervention and kicks him out.

Later, Denise gets emotional as Kim makes an engagement speech at The Vic. When it all becomes too much, Denise announces her diagnosis and leaves everyone shocked.

Meanwhile, Kathy tries to comfort Ian following recent events.

Elsewhere, tensions continue between Honey and Billy, even though Bea has moved out to live with Mo.

Also today, Vinny feels sidelined when he attends a birth plan appointment with Penny.

Tuesday 16th June 2026
Written by: Carey Andrews

Following Denise’s public revelation, she finally decides to return the hospital’s call. Chelsea decides to call Libby to tell her what’s going on.

Denise is told that she’ll be facing a month on the ward, so the family promise to keep everything running smoothly in her absence. Libby returns to support Denise, who soon heads to the hospital to begin treatment.

Meanwhile, Chelsea explains that Gray’s grandmother Sheila has been sending cheques, but she hasn’t cashed them.

Elsewhere, Vinny asks Penny to move in with him.

Wednesday 17th June 2026
Written by: Rory Nugent

Chelsea starts to struggle financially, so Libby secretly tries contacting Gray’s grandmother Sheila for help. Denise asks Chelsea and Libby to come and see her at the hospital, where she urges the sisters to look after each other. They also agree to be tested as potential bone marrow matches.

Later, Chelsea is annoyed when she finds out that Libby has been in touch with Sheila. However, after a heart-to-heart with Eve about what’s best for Jordan, she changes her stance and calls Sheila for help.

Meanwhile, Ian sacks Johnny, accusing him of not focusing on his legal case enough.

Elsewhere, Honey and Billy decide to enjoy some quality time together by going on a date.

Also today, after agreeing to live with Vinny, Penny wonders how to break the news to Gina that she’ll be moving out.

Thursday 18th June 2026
Written by: Nadine Flynn

Chelsea meets up with Gray’s grandmother Sheila following encouragement from Libby. She’s relieved when Sheila confirms that she has no contact with Gray.

Sheila offers financial support for Jordan and Chelsea agrees. However, Chelsea seems uncertain later on as she struggles with her guilt.

Meanwhile, Ian asks Kathy if she’ll give him money to hire a top solicitor.

Elsewhere, Bea takes Honey for a drink after hearing what happened after her date with Billy.

Also today, Penny and Vinny avoid revealing their plans to live together.