INSIDE SCOOP
Stacey’s horror...
AS DENISE’S HALLUCINATIONS CONTINUE, STACEY RECOGNISES THE SIGNS OF A MENTAL HEALTH EPISODE…
The stark reality of Denise’s mental state is laid bare this week, as co-conspirator Stacey realises the alarming truth – her friend is experiencing a psychotic episode.
Having gone through her own struggles with mental health in the past, Stacey is well placed to spot the signs, yet her attempts to get Denise to see a doctor fail. Instead, Denise ends up turning to the only person she believes can help now: her serial killer ex-husband, Lucas.
Meanwhile, Denise’s stepkids Amy and Ricky are deeply concerned, and the week ends with Denise taking Amy on a terrifying high-speed car ride through the woods – resulting in the troubled woman rushing off into the night. EastEnders star Diane Parish talks us through a dramatic week, as her character’s fragile mental state unravels…
Hi Diane! How is Denise’s state of mind at the start of this week?
Denise is not coping at all. She’s having hallucinations, and actually believes what she’s seeing because it’s very real to her.
What do you think has caused her to have these disturbing visions?
There are many things that have led Denise to this point. One of them was being pushed into Keanu’s grave at the café, because that made this terrible situation very, very real. But also, I think there has been a lot of build-up for Denise with everything that’s happened to her family and her marriage in recent months. Denise has had her fair share of trauma.
EASTENDERS | BBC1 WEDNESDAY
Does Denise now feel distanced from the rest of The Six?
Yes, because the situation that she thought was a “they” with the other five women has suddenly been very focussed in on an “I”. There’s the huge panic of knowing she’s on her own and isolated from the other women. She’s completely out of her depth now. Denise is on her own trying to save herself.
When does Stacey realise that Denise needs some help?
Stacey is able to see what other people can’t, or are unwilling to see. She’s also a bit worried that some of her actions have played a part. She cares about Denise, and up until she started her fling with Jack, they were friends. I suppose Stacey feels awful about that, and responsible. In the immediate aftermath of Keanu’s death it was Denise who was trying to pull Stacey together – but Stacey has risen from the ashes to be the one to step up for Denise now.
Does Denise trust Stacey enough to let her help?
No
