Walford Gazette [Vol. II] #34

Welcome back, Walford Walkers! Last week we brought you the scoop on Linda Carter’s upcoming New Year exit — and before we could blink, EastEnders dropped not one but two surprises on us. Denise’s storyline took a dramatic turn, and the Hawkins family made a shock entrance on the Square yesterday!

But first, more exit news. Aaron Thiara, who has brought bad boy Ravi Gulati to life for the past four years, is officially leaving Albert Square. During his time in E20, Ravi has been tangled up in murder, gangsters, love triangles, fraud, and even a feud with the local Branning. He’s also brought the entire Gulati clan into Walford, all of whom have become firm fan favourites. Aaron will be much missed by viewers and colleagues alike, and everyone here at Walford Walk wishes him all the best for the future.

Now, onto the latest announcements. This week, Denise’s battle against cancer escalates as the poor Fox matriarch is placed into an induced coma in a desperate bid to save her life. The search for a blood donor brings Dee more than one surprise — including a brother and niece she never knew existed!

Christopher Colquhoun (Absentia, Fleabag) will make his EastEnders debut later this summer as Darnell Larson Jr., Denise Fox’s half‑brother.

The Fox‑Truemans are left reeling when Kim uncovers a half‑brother Denise never knew she had. As the family reach out and come face‑to‑face with Darnell, they also meet his daughter, Grace, played by Krysstina Frempong (Too Much, Essex Girls).

Their introduction is far from straightforward, and for Darnell, what begins as an unexpected family reunion soon takes on a deeper significance when he learns of Denise’s diagnosis and the severity of her treatment. Christopher said:

“I am thrilled to be finally moving to Walford after all these years, and the welcome I’ve received has been phenomenal. Hearing I’d got the role was an absolute doof doof moment for me… hopefully there’ll be plenty more of those to come!”

Krysstina added:

“I am extremely excited to be joining EastEnders! I have watched the show for as long as I can remember and have such vivid memories of gathering around the TV with my family, especially at Christmas, to watch all the drama unfolding on the Square, so it feels pretty surreal to now be a part of the action! I’m really looking forward to working with, and learning from, my new colleagues, whom I’ve long admired, and hope audiences enjoy getting to know Grace and all the complexities she’ll bring to their screens!”

And as if that weren’t enough drama for one week, Gemma and Jodie arrived last night — much to sister Nicola’s horror — followed swiftly by their formidable mother, Rose, who looks set to be a thorn in Nicola’s side from the moment she steps foot in Walford. Keep your eyes on the episodes this week: there’s far more to these ladies than meets the eye…

And finally, just as we were about to hit the publish button last night, some late news came in: Robert Kazinsky is returning to the show as Sean Slater! More news next week…

Speaking of next week in Walford, the tension reaches breaking point as Denise’s life hangs in the balance. With Dee in a medically induced coma, the usually bustling Fox‑Trueman household is plunged into a quiet, fearful stillness. Patrick refuses to leave her side, keeping a solemn vigil at the hospital. Every hour that passes without improvement weighs heavily on him, and the strain begins to show.

Back home, Jack is doing his best to hold the fort, but the cracks are starting to appear. Between supporting Amy, managing Denzel’s behaviour, and trying to stay strong for Denise, he’s stretched thinner than ever. Kim, meanwhile, is battling her own guilt and panic. Her discovery of Darnell has opened a door she never expected to find, and now she’s grappling with the fear that she may have unearthed answers too late to help her sister.

The arrival of Darnell and Grace continues to send shockwaves through the family. What began as a desperate search for a donor has turned into a collision of past and present, with emotions running high on all sides. Darnell is still reeling from the revelation of Denise’s illness, and Grace finds herself caught between curiosity about her newfound relatives and the overwhelming reality of the situation.

Elsewhere on the Square, Priya becomes entangled in the fallout when Denzel’s behaviour takes a worrying turn. Jean steps up to support Alfie as he faces a difficult truth of his own. And Ria‘s birth mother continues to cause issues between Suki and Eve.

Meanwhile, Craig’s unsettling behaviour raises eyebrows and tempers in equal measure. We now know he’s been accused of gross misconduct in regard a female officer, and that the charges are serious enough to risk his career. And as he gets closer to an already fragile Amy this week, is it what some believe it is, an unhealthy interest, or is Amy up to more than we think..?