Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) has once again betrayed struggling Denise Fox (Diane Parish) in EastEnders, spending the night with Stacey Slater (Lacey Turner).
The detective, as viewers know, previously cheated on Denise with Stacey in the lead up to Christmas, with the truth exploding just before the festive season, leaving the couple’s future in doubt.
Jack was apologetic and pleaded with Denise to give him another chance. Denise, however, has been unable to focus on her marriage since the events of Christmas, which saw her involved in the cover-up of Keanu Taylor’s (Danny Walters) death.
Linda Carter (Kellie Bright) killed the mechanic at the Vic when he attempted to strangle her best mate Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean), with Denise, Stacey, Suki Panesar (Balvinder Sopal) and Kathy Beale (Gillian Taylforth) all agreeing to keep shtum about what happened.
Denise, however, has struggled to get her head around their actions on that night and it’s had a major impact on her mental heath, which her loved ones have picked up on.
Jack in particular has detected that something isn’t quite right with Denise but, despite his concern, Denise has felt unable to open up to him, which has led to him feeling pushed away.
Jack and Stacey slept together once more (Picture: BBC)
Stacey, however, has been right by his side. Tuesday’s (January 30) edition of the BBC One soap saw the guardianship hearing for baby Charli take place and Denise struggled to focus on the situation at hand.
With the Branning and Slater clan satisfied with the outcome of the hearing, they all celebrated at No. 32. Denise, however, headed home.
Jack and Stacey grew closer and closer and, following their kiss on Monday (October 29), they shared another – and another.
As Denise cried out in the night, she woke to realise that Jack was nowhere to be seen. Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd) entered her room and offered her comfort, holding her hand and helping her get back to sleep.
Jack was subsequently seen in bed with Stacey, telling her that this is what he wants. So much for trying to make your marriage work, eh Jack? Poor Denise! Will she find out what her husband is up to?
EastEnders continues Wednesday January 31 at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
