Who plays Darnell in EastEnders? Denise half-brother twist explained

Darnell returns to screens this week (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) EastEnders welcomed a new character to Walford last month in the form of Darnell Larson, who found himself at the hospital within minutes of his debut scenes – and he’s back on our screens this week. Darnell was located by Kim Fox (Tameka Empson) earlier this year amid a search for potential relatives of sister Denise (Diane Parish), who has been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Thus far, Denise has undergone two rounds of intense chemotherapy but doctors informed her earlier this month that neither round has had the desired effect on her cancer. A stem cell transplant is therefore the next phase of treatment. Due to her battling a serious chest infection, Denise was put into a medically induced coma, with doctors assuring her it that such a thing gives her a better chance of survival. Kim, meanwhile, was unable to visit her sister due to a cold and thus instead searched for any long-lost relatives who might be a match for Denise. To her shock, a long-lost brother named Darnell was discovered via an ancestry website – and the hunt was on to track him down. Darnell was located and he subsequently met with Denise when she was taken out of the coma, but he returns to screens with an update this week. If you want to know everything there is to know about Darnell – including the actor who plays him and where you’ve seen him before – you’re in luck as we’re on the case. Who is Darnell Larson Jr in EastEnders and who plays him? Darnell met with Jack (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) Darnell is a half-brother of Denise’s. He is played by actor Christopher Colquhoun, known for roles in Absentia and Fleabag – but he is perhaps best known for playing registrar Simon Kaminski in Casualty between 2002 and 2004. Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. In EastEnders, Denise had no idea Darnell existed and – given that her life hangs in the balance – time is of the essence when it comes to trying to find him. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Kim and Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) successfully located Darnell, who was pleased to meet with them upon learning that he’s got a sister he didn’t know about. ‘Darnell is simply excited to discover a side of his family he never knew existed,’ said star Christopher. ‘He’s naturally open and trusting, so he doesn’t spend time questioning why they’ve reached out to him. ‘He wants to get to know them and, in typical Darnell fashion, almost loses sight of the bigger picture because he’s so fascinated by the connection itself and doesn’t even question why Denise isn’t there.’ Jack is hopeful Darnell will help (Picture: BBC / Jack Barnes / Kieron McCarron) Jack and Kim subsequently revealed Denise’s condition to Darnell, who was taken aback but agreed to accompany them to the hospital. He found the situation incredibly overwhelming and made a hasty exit. ‘He’s not angry about being misled. Instead, he’s overwhelmed by the enormity of the situation, especially having only just learned Denise exists,’ Christopher explains. ‘As the story develops, we also begin to understand why hospitals are such a difficult and triggering environment for him.’ Darnell agreed to get tested to see if he’s a match for a potential stem cell transplant which could save Denise’s life, but he returns to screens this week somewhat hesitant – and shares his reasons for feeling unable to help. Denise is understanding. Jack, however, is less so – and hopes he can change Darnell’s mind. Deals of the Day From kitchen hatches to burgundy walls – the biggest home trends for 2027 Oodie’s cosy blanket sale has arrived just in time for Christmas shopping Save over £700 on Simba's top-rated mattresses in this limited-time sale An Instagram mattress left me with back pain – this one completely changed my mind Book Val d'Isère, Val Thorens and Tignes for less in Club Med's ski sale EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or stream from 6am on BBC iPlayer. If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. Arrow MORE: All EastEnders spoilers for next week as a family is at war Arrow MORE: EastEnders’ Denise contemplates devastating decision which would trigger tragic end Arrow MORE: Max drawn into EastEnders’ Zoe death mystery as Kat seeks the truth The Soaps Newsletter – Daily All the latest soaps spoilers and gossip, in your inbox every morning.