The last thing EastEnders’ Denise Fox (Diane Parish) needs right now is to deal with some family drama – but that’s exactly what’s going to happen next week.
At first, Denise isn’t actually aware of what’s going on due to the fact her family are trying to protect her from the chaos.
Nothing gets past D though, and she quickly learns why Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) is so stressed.
Amy Mitchell (Ellie Dadd) is missing.
At the start of next week, Oscar Branning (Pierre Counihan-Moullier) finds Jack and Max Branning (Jake Wood) and reveals that he spotted Amy preparing to leave Walford with Craig Ingram (Matthew James Bailey).
Max and Jack race across town, but they’re too late to stop the pair speeding away.
Terrified for his daughter, Jack launches a search with police assistance, and later speaks to his family about keeping the truth from Denise.
As Denise begins to wonder if something is wrong, Jack and Max break into Craig’s flat.
Back at home, it’s Denise’s brother Darnell (Christopher Colquhoun) who ends up telling her that Amy is missing.
Forced to come clean, Jack tells Denise everything. Later, Ash Panesar (Sakira Vel) pops by to see Denise, and it’s clear the stress over Amy is impacting her overall health.
There is a glimmer of hope towards the end of the week, as an unexpected arrival catches Jack’s attention.
But who is it?
And will they be the one to find Amy?
Lynn Perry, Barnardo’s Chief Executive commented on this story and said: ‘We welcomed the opportunity to provide expert advice on this storyline – which is a powerful reminder that there is no stereotypical victim or perpetrator of grooming. Young people from all walks of life can be targeted and fall victim to controlling behaviour – and many are often unaware that they are being groomed.
‘We hope this important storyline can highlight how subtle the signs of grooming can be and how it builds over time. To any viewers who recognise themselves in this story – who may be currently experiencing abuse or might have in the past – we hope this storyline shows you that the abuse was not your fault and we encourage you to seek support.
‘We appreciate the writing team’s professional curiosity and determination to get this story right.’