BBC EastEnders first look sees aftermath of Lauren Branning and Zack Hudson betrayal
EastEnders has released a first look at Lauren Branning and Zack Hudson following their shock Whitney Dean betrayal on Thursday night
EastEnders has released a first look at Monday's episode after a huge Lauren Branning and Zack Hudson twist.
Viewers will recall that Whitney Dean recently visited her stepmother Bianca Jackson in Milton Keynes, leading to her meeting troubled youngster Britney.
Whitney ended up paying the teen's mother off so she could care for her, while lying that she'd adopted her with social services aware. The truth did come out to her partner Zack this week and he was furious.
They ended up having a blazing row about it and their future, with pregnant Whitney confessing she would choose Britney over him any day. Zack felt unsupported and sidelined, and as though he didn't matter, which Whitney didn't exactly deny.
Whitney also fell out with pal Lauren who she believed had told Zack the truth, when in fact it was Britney. Zack and Lauren ended up heading out together to let off some steam, while Whitney was called out by her loved ones for her lies, with her left contemplating her treatment towards Zack.
As Britney was reassured that she was still family, she asked whether Zack was leaving but Whitney claimed this was not the case, clearly keen to sort things out. But the camera then panned back to Lauren and Zack who were sharing a steamy kiss down an alley.
EastEnders has now issued a first look of the aftermath, which will air on Monday's episode as Zack and Lauren are consumed with guilt after betraying Whitney, but will they tell her that they slept together?
It comes as Whitney actress Shona McGarty was confirmed to be leaving the soap last year, after 15 years in the role. Since then, actress Shona has filmed her final scenes and has left the show for good.
This means Whitney's final episodes will air within weeks, with details surrounding the pregnant character's departure yet to be revealed. After Thursday's episode, will Walford's latest cheating scandal tear Zack and Whitney apart, leading to her departing Walford?
Shona told The Sun on Sunday last year: "I have decided to spread my wings and will be leaving EastEnders. I have loved my years in the show. I have been trusted with some incredible storylines and have made amazing friendships — and family — which will endure."
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.* Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .