The decision is YOURS

DIANE PARISH on a soap love triangle like no other

- ALISON SLADE

Just when you thought soaps couldn't possibly think of any new ideas to surprise us, along comes EastEnders to shake things up.

In the week that the BBC1 flagship drama turns 40, show bosses are putting viewers in charge for the first time with the power to decide the outcome of a storyline; specifically whether Denise Fox (played by Diane Parish) continues her steamy relationship with Ravi Gulati, the doe-eyed, dodgy businessman who's 20-something years her junior, or reunites with Jack Branning, her police officer ex-husband with whom she still shares a deep connection.

'It's a bit of a scary one, but it's very exciting,' smiles Diane, 55, taking a break from filming for an exclusive interview with TV Times. 'Denise's fate is literally in the viewers' hands." Age aside, Jack and Ravi are very different men. For starters, Jack upholds the law (well, most of the time), while Ravi definitely does not. So come on, Diane who is Denise's Mr Right? 'Don't ask what I think, because Diane might give them both a wide berth!" she laughs.

'As far as Denise is concerned, there's mileage with Jack. He was a supportive partner and protected her though they clearly had their problems, given his affair with Stacey Slater, his occasional anger issues and the lack of appreciation she felt from him.

'But there is the thing with Ravi where she feels seen by him; he sees the woman. Perhaps there are people who think once you've hit 40, 45, you've had your lot, but women are still women and they obviously have great chemistry. But then so do Jack and Denise; I think they've just forgotten where they left it!"

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