EastEnders’ Zack Hudson left reeling by baby news from Whitney Dean – but there’s more heartbreak in store
Zack Hudson (James Farrar) was left speechless in EastEnders when Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) confirmed that they’re expecting a baby girl.
The much-loved character, as viewers know, had long suspected that Whitney was having a girl so the fact that this has turned out to be the case should’ve been the best news in the world.
But with the couple at each other’s throats over Whitney’s decision to prioritise Britney’s (Lola Campbell) care above all else, he was taken aback rather than overjoyed, with Whit confirming that she’d found out earlier in the day, meaning that she’d failed to tell him.
Believing this to be a sign that he was way down Whitney’s list of priorities, Zack decided to pack up his belongings and leave Milton Keynes, heading back to Walford without her.
Whitney, as viewers know, is determined to protect local girl Britney, who she’s bonded with since arriving in Milton Keynes.
Britney was a regular visitor at Bianca Jackson’s (Patsy Palmer) flat, with her own mum Keeley showing little to no interest in her.
The storyline in question will seemingly play a pivotal role in Whitney’s exit, following news that actress Shona McGarty had decided to leave EastEnders after 15 years.
Zack, meanwhile, will return to Walford later in the week and it’s safe to say he’ll face the wrath of Whitney’s loved ones for leaving her in Milton Keynes.
Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) will attempt to reach out, concerned for his wellbeing, but Zack will misread the signals and lean in for a kiss.
Oh boy.
EastEnders spoilers follow for Wednesday’s (March 6) episode, which can now be streamed on BBC iPlayer.
Zack Hudson (James Farrar) packed his job in following a heated exchange with boss Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara).
The much-loved character, as viewers know, has been under serious amounts of stress in recent episodes after Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty), who is pregnant with his baby, was knocked down by a car.
The incident took place during a trip to Milton Keynes to visit Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer), with Whitney taking a keen interest in neighbour Britney Wainwright (Lola Campbell).
Britney was being neglected by mum Keeley, who issued Whitney with an ultimatum, telling her that she can look after her daughter for her if she feels strongly enough about it.
Zack, however, struggled to get his head around the fact that Whitney was so determined to protect Britney at the expense of their own little family and, feeling like he had no say in the matter, he returned to Walford after several arguments with his one true love.
Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa), however, proved more supportive, telling Zack that she can completely see his point of view on the situation. Zack struggled with Whitney’s decision and, missing her, he repeatedly tried to make contact.
Whitney, however, proved evasive, ignoring his calls. Despite this, she made time to answer for Lauren, who relayed that Zack’s not coping very well with her actions.
And truer words were never spoken, with emotional Zack quitting his job after Ravi quizzed him on the reason why he was so distracted.
‘I’ve packed it in!’, he said to Lauren when questioned why he wasn’t at work, before he proceeded to get drunk.
He subsequently clashed with Lauren, who ordered him to go home and sober up but the two later had a heart-to-heart, with Zack leaning in for a kiss!
Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) and Zack Hudson’s (James Farrar) trip to Milton Keynes proves to be eventful in upcoming episodes of EastEnders, but it also leaves Whitney in huge danger when she’s hit by a car.
A few weeks ago, Whitney and Zack left Walford for Milton Keynes after learning Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) had split with her partner.
Next week’s instalments of the BBC One soap will primarily focus on this storyline, as the couple deal with drama from Bianca, as well as problems in their own relationship.
When Whit and Zack first arrive, they meet two local children called Britney and Taylor. As they get settled in, Whitney starts to form a kinship with Britney, but it becomes apparent the young girl has had a difficult upbringing as Whitney finds her rifling through some bins for food.
Concerned, Whitney chats to Bianca about Britney and discovers mum Keeley has a drug addiction.
A few days later, Bianca invites Britney and Taylor indoors after finding the pair locked outside of their flat. Furious about the lack of care, Whitney heads to Keeley’s, searching for an explanation.
Back in the present day, Zack and Bianca attempt to convince Whit to return home but she remains incredibly focused on looking after Britney.
After witnessing another confrontation between Whitney and her mum, Britney dashes off.
Whitney follows but when the young girl accidentally steps out in front of a speeding car, Whitney shoves her out of the way, getting hit in the process.
Zack, Bianca and Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy) rush to Whitney’s aid and is later sent to hospital.
There, Whitney heads for an ultrasound and after, Bianca, Sonia and Zack receive the news Whitney and her baby are fine.
But as Whitney returns to Milton Keynes once more, she’s given news about Britney’s parents getting arrested.
‘Britney’s got no one to look after her now, so Whitney thinks “it must be me, I’ll look after her”‘, Shona McGarty told us.
