Dennis Rickman is remembered as one of EastEnders’ most compelling characters, a figure whose charisma, troubled past, and tragic ending left a lasting mark on the soap’s history. Introduced in 2003, Dennis (played by Nigel Harman) arrived in Walford as the long-lost son of Den Watts, instantly tying him into the show’s central dynasty. From the moment he stepped onto Albert Square, Dennis was a character who carried both charm and danger, often blurring the line between romantic hero and flawed antihero. His time on the Square may have been brief compared to other icons, but the storylines surrounding him—particularly those involving Sharon Watts and Zoe Slater—remain unforgettable.

When Dennis first arrived, his identity as Den’s illegitimate son created shockwaves, particularly for Sharon, who had been Den’s adoptive daughter. This twist instantly added complexity to his relationships, especially once he and Sharon developed feelings for one another. Their romance became one of the soap’s most talked-about storylines, sparking controversy because of their unconventional family connection. While they were not related by blood, the fact that Sharon had once seen Den as her father meant that her romance with Dennis caused discomfort among other characters and stirred debates among viewers. Yet the undeniable chemistry between Nigel Harman and Letitia Dean made the pairing magnetic, and many fans grew to root for them despite the taboo.

Sharon and Dennis’s love story was marked by passion, secrecy, and obstacles at every turn. Den, ever manipulative, disapproved of their relationship and went to great lengths to keep them apart. His control over Sharon, coupled with his constant meddling in Dennis’s life, created explosive family tension. But despite Den’s interference, Sharon and Dennis’s bond only deepened, making them one of the most iconic couples of the era. Their relationship highlighted Dennis’s softer side, showing that beneath his tough exterior was a man capable of deep love and loyalty.

The connection between Dennis and Zoe Slater added another layer of drama. Zoe, desperate for love and manipulated by those around her, became entangled in a twisted plan devised by Den Watts himself. Den persuaded Zoe to seduce Dennis as part of his scheme to drive a wedge between Dennis and Sharon. Vulnerable and craving approval, Zoe agreed, leading to a brief fling with Dennis that had devastating consequences. Though Dennis did not truly love Zoe, the affair provided Den with the ammunition he needed to interfere in Dennis and Sharon’s relationship.

The fallout from this plotline was explosive. When Sharon discovered the truth about Dennis and Zoe, she was left heartbroken and humiliated. For Sharon, the betrayal cut deeply—not only because of her feelings for Dennis but also because it confirmed her father’s manipulative influence over the people in her life. The storyline demonstrated the lengths Den was willing to go to in order to control those around him, even at the cost of his children’s happiness. Zoe, meanwhile, was left emotionally shattered, having been used as a pawn in Den’s twisted game.

Despite this betrayal, Sharon and Dennis eventually reconciled, proving that their love was strong enough to withstand even the most painful obstacles. Their reunion cemented their status as one of Walford’s great love stories, and fans were thrilled to see them finally defy Den’s control. Unfortunately, happiness on EastEnders is always fleeting, and tragedy soon followed.

Dennis’s downfall came in 2005, during one of the soap’s most dramatic periods. After years of manipulation and betrayal, Den Watts was killed, and the ripple effects of his death set the stage for Dennis’s tragic exit. As Sharon and Dennis planned a future together, including starting a family, their happiness was once again threatened by dangerous forces. Phil Mitchell, furious with Dennis after a violent confrontation, enlisted the help of gangster Johnny Allen to “deal with” him.

On New Year’s Eve 2005, Dennis met his end in shocking fashion. As fireworks lit up the Square, he was fatally stabbed in a revenge attack orchestrated by Johnny Allen. Sharon, who had just told Dennis that she was pregnant with his child, was left devastated as she watched the love of her life die in her arms. The timing of his death—just as he was about to become a father—made the tragedy even more poignant.

Dennis’s death marked a turning point in Sharon’s life. She was forced to navigate single motherhood while grieving the man she loved, and her later storylines often carried the weight of Dennis’s loss. The revelation that she was carrying Dennis’s child gave her strength to move forward, but his absence loomed large over her future relationships and decisions. Even years later, Dennis Rickman’s legacy continued through his son, Dennis “Denny” Rickman Jr., though tragedy struck again when Denny Jr. himself later died, adding another layer of heartbreak to Sharon’s story.