Belinda Owusu returning to EastEnders
Belinda Owusu is returning to EastEnders as Libby Fox.
Belinda Owusu is returning to EastEnders.
The 37-year-old actress will reprise her role as Libby Fox for a short stint later this year, 20 years after she first appeared on Albert Square when the Fox family were introduced to Walford.
Her return is part of a dramatic New Year's Day (01.01.27) storyline, as well as Libby's mum Denise's (Diane Parish) cancer battle.
A source told The Sun newspaper: “It’s hugely exciting to have Belinda back filming.
“Libby’s been much missed and adds a real emotional throwback to Denise’s story.”
Belinda joined EastEnders as Libby in 2006 but left in 2010 when her character went to study at Oxford University. She returned in 2014 before departing for a year, and then leaving for good in 2017.
Libby made a brief reappearance in July as part of Denise's cancer battle, and she also appeared in January during a flash-forward episode showing a glimpse of the beginning of 2027.
It was previously revealed EastEnders bosses had worked closely with Blood Cancer UK to make sure the story of Denise's battle with acute myeloid leukaemia played out as accurately and sensitively as possible.
Executive Producer Ben Wadey said: “It was vital to us that Denise’s storyline is portrayed with sensitivity and care, and we’re grateful to Blood Cancer UK for their advice in helping us tell this story accurately.
"As viewers follow Denise, we hope to shine a light on the realities and challenges of an acute myeloid leukaemia diagnosis and the impact it has on the person affected and those around them.”
Meanwhile, Blood Cancer UK CEO Helen Rowntree revealed the charity is glad to see such issues being highlighted on the show.
She commented: "It’s been a privilege advising the EastEnders team to ensure Denise’s storyline reflects the real experiences of people living with blood cancer and those who care for them.
"Blood cancers, which include leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, do not discriminate, yet experiences and outcomes can vary significantly, including by ethnicity.
"Being Black and living with an aggressive blood cancer like acute myeloid leukaemia can bring additional challenges.
"We hope viewers gain a greater understanding of blood cancer’s impact and we’re pleased this issue is being highlighted on a powerful platform, helping make a ‘hidden’ cancer more visible.”
