Belinda Owusu is returning to EastEnders as Libby Fox

She left Albert Square in 2017.

Following her appearance in the flash-forward episode of EastEnders, which aired on New Year's Day 2026 but showed the events of New Year's Day 2027, it's been confirmed that Belinda Owusu will return this month as Libby Fox for a short stint.

Libby was last in Albert Square in 2017, so having been away for almost 9 years, Libby returns to Walford to support her family in the wake of Denise’s blood cancer diagnosis, and once she arrives, it becomes clear that her family need all the support they can get, including sister Chelsea, who is struggling following son Jordan’s accident.

Speaking about returning to EastEnders, Belinda 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."

To which Executive Producer Ben Wadey added "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."

EastEnders continues Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One with first look episodes available from 6am on BBC iPlayer