Actress ‘beyond thrilled’ to return to EastEnders

By Jenny Garnsworthy, Press Association

Actress Belinda Owusu has said she is “beyond thrilled” to be returning to EastEnders, after first joining the soap 20 years ago.

Her character Libby Fox left Albert Square in 2017, although viewers last saw her on January 1st, when she appeared in the flash forward episode, set on New Year’s Day 2027.

Libby is returning to Walford for a “short stint” to support her family in the wake of her mother Denise’s blood cancer diagnosis, according to BBC producers.

Once she arrives, it becomes clear that her family need all the support they can get, they said.

This includes her sister Chelsea, played by Zaraah Abrahams, and Denise, played by Diane Parish.

Owusu said: “I am beyond thrilled to be back on the Square. Getting the Foxes back together has been such a joy, full of fun and nostalgia.

“It’s been 20 years since I first joined, so coming back has been like returning home. It’s a really great team and I’ve been loving my time here.

“Libby is coming home to support her family during a difficult time, and it’s been so wonderful stepping back into her shoes and becoming a Fox again.”

Ben Wadey, EastEnders executive producer, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Belinda back to the role of Libby Fox as we start to uncover another piece of the puzzle of the New Year’s Day flashforward storyline.

“Libby returns at a particularly emotional time for the Fox-Trueman family, and it’s clear that her family need her now more than ever.”