EASTENDER Denise Wicks is driven into the eager arms of her ex after daughter Libby storms out of their home.

In explosive scenes filmed this month, widow Denise and preacher Lucas Johnson share a passionate kiss.

Denise — played by former Lovejoy star Diane Parish — is left reeling after Libby, who was bound for Oxford University, suddenly decides to leave home to shack up with boyfriend Darren Miller.

Lucas (Don Gilet), the dad of Denise’s other daughter Chelsea, rows with his ex and she slaps him hard across the face.

Stunned Lucas then yells: “She (Libby) left because she couldn’t stand you controlling her any more!”

Lucas — who has a murky past — then tips her carefully piled-up ironing all over the floor, before he grabs Denise and kisses her passionately.

Despite her shock, it becomes clear Denise, whose hubby Kevin Wicks died in a car crash last year, has been desperate for them to get back together.

An insider on the BBC1 soap said: “Their feelings for each other are still there and Lucas makes it his mission to get back with Denise. He knows she’s gutted about Libby flouncing off so decides to exploit this.”

Viewers will see the Albert Square shenanigans in October.