EastEnders star Belinda Owusu is due to return to the BBC soap next week as she reprises her role as Libby Fox, and the character is thrust straight into the thick of the drama following personal tragedies.

The actor made a surprise appearance in January’s flashforward scene, but will make a longer return as she becomes involved in two storylines regarding her mother, Denise, and her nephew, Jordan.

While Denise is undergoing a health struggle after being diagnosed with blood cancer, Jordan suffered a serious spinal injury after being struck by a car, which was being driven by an intoxicated Ian Beale.

Libby returns to Walford to support both parties, and reunites with her half-sister Chelsea. The pair connect after some initial awkwardness, but Libby learns that Chelsea has been receiving cheques from Sheila, the grandmother of Gray Atkins.

“Libby is surprised, but she immediately senses that Chelsea wants nothing to do with it,” explains Owusu. “Still, it sparks her interest. With Chelsea overwhelmed by Jordan’s care and the financial strain, Libby sees it as potential support.

“She’s torn – she respects Chelsea’s boundaries but also believes that it could offer some relief,” adds the actor, who subsequently explains her character’s divisive decision to reach out to Sheila.

“Libby wasn’t there to experience everything with Gray first-hand, and that shapes her perspective – she may act differently if she had been,” she notes. “She sees how much pressure Chelsea is under, supporting both Jordan and Denise.

“She feels that the added financial strain is too much. Libby is pragmatic, if slightly naïve to the risks. In her mind, if this could help Jordan and ease Chelsea’s burden, it’s worth exploring.”

Naturally, this move shocks Chelsea, but she eventually agrees to meet Sheila to hear her out. Libby is surprised by her half-sister’s change of stance, but she is happy nonetheless that they appear to be on a similar page.

While Sheila “denounces” Gray and his various crimes by saying “all the right things”, Libby of course takes a massive risk, and it remains to be seen how the wider Fox family will view her decision.

“It’s a difficult balance, wanting the best for Jordan while recognising the risks,” explains the actor. “They keep it from the family because Chelsea is still wary, and they want to assess it without those additional voices and opinions.

“With Denise starting treatment, they also don’t want to add more worry, especially when they feel they may have things under control. But of course, nothing stays secret for long on Albert Square.”