EastEnders confirms major format change for special Bianca Jackson return episode

Fans will recall that Whitney and Zack left Walford for a trip to Milton Keynes in January and have not been seen on-screen since.

In an episode airing on Monday 4th March 2024 events across the preceding five weeks will be shown to bring us up to speed on what has kept Whitney and Zack away from the Square.

While initially turning up to comfort Bianca following her split from long-term partner Terry Spraggan, Whitney becomes embroiled in the dramas of a local child named Britney (Scrapper star Lola Campbell).

Aware that Britney has been neglected as a result of her mother Keeley (Kirsty J Curtis) struggling with addiction, Whitney forges a bond with Britney and wants to help her.

Speaking of the special episodes, executive producer Chris Clenshaw said: "We’re thrilled to welcome the immensely talented Lola Campbell to the cast of EastEnders as she takes on the role of Britney.

"The special episodes, which coincide with Patsy Palmer’s return, will showcase five weeks’ worth of storyline as we follow Whitney and Zack during their time in Milton Keynes, but it’s not long before the pair are thrust into the heart of the drama after Whitney grows concerned for Britney’s wellbeing."

However, Whitney’s kind heart also throws her into harm's way as she attempts to save Britney’s life and ends up hit by a car!

While it seems Whitney and her unborn child will pull through OK, Zack is less than keen on Whitney's crusade to help troubled Britney.

Could this drive Whitney and Zack apart?

Meanwhile, the return of Bianca also means she will be bringing Whitney up to speed on her life – and she even has a reunion with sister Sonia Fowler (Natalie Cassidy).

Patsy Palmer is reprising the role of Bianca for a short stint in the run-up to Shona McGarty departing the soap and her role as Whitney Dean after 14 years.

Read more:

• EastEnders cast: Who is joining, leaving and returning to the soap?
• EastEnders must give tragic heroine Whitney the happy ever after she deserves
• EastEnders’ Shona McGarty on exit: “Whitney deserves a happy ending”
• Did Dean Wicks steal the missing murder weapon in EastEnders?
• EastEnders airs distressing cliffhanger for Denise Fox in early BBC iPlayer release
• EastEnders airs twist for Johnny Carter and The Six in anniversary episode early release
• EastEnders airs horrific revelation in George Knight special episode early release

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and from 6am on BBC iPlayer. If you’re looking for more to watch, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide.

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