Zack Hudson (James Farrar) will vent his anger in the direction of Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) in next week's EastEnders, in the wake of Whitney Dean's departure.

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The catalyst for Whitney leaving Walford was Zack's fling with her best mate Lauren. Whit made a tentative peace with all involved before she made her exit, with the beloved character receiving an emotional final farewell from her friends and family.

In scenes airing from Monday (27th May 2024), both Lauren and Zack are struggling, and Zack turns back to alcohol to numb his pain. He gets so drunk at The Albert that Felix Baker (Matthew Morrison) orders Lauren to take him home, as he can't reach Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) or Martin Fowler (James Bye).

At Zack's, Lauren is horrified when Zack makes a pass at her. But when she admits her role in Whitney's decision to leave the Square, Zack becomes furious and shouts in Lauren's face, his anger spiralling out of control!

Lauren is shocked at his outburst and ends up confiding in her ex, Peter Beale (Thomas Law), who is on hand to support Lauren through both Zack's behaviour and the cutting comments from Peter's own mother, Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins).

Protective Peter marches over to confront Zack, and Zack is mortified to learn how he behaved while he was drunk the night before.

James Farrar as an emotional Zack Hudson embracing Jacqueline Jossa as Lauren Branning outside as Thomas Law as Peter Beale looks on in EastEnders.
Zack Hudson (James Farrar, left) initially turns to Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa, centre) for comfort as Peter Beale (Thomas Law, right) looks on. BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

As Peter tears a strip off him, Zack breaks down in tears, and as the week continues Martin rushes to Zack's aid as he continues to be troubled by recent events. Will Martin be able to help Zack, and will he ever take responsibility for his own actions?

Meanwhile, Peter threatens to move out of the Beale family home unless Cindy is civil to Lauren, and Lauren is grateful to Peter for his unconditional support during a tough week for her.

Thomas Law as Peter Beale interrupts James Farrar and Jacqueline Jossa as Lauren Branning embracing in EastEnders.
Zack's behaviour brings about a clash with Peter Beale. BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron

Will they continue to grow closer? And with Lauren having admitted that her life is a mess, can she move forward after how things ended between her and Whitney?

EastEnders airs these scenes from Monday 27th May 2024.

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EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Visit our dedicated EastEnders page for all the latest news, interviews and spoilers.

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Authors

Laura Denby
Laura DenbyFreelance Writer

Laura Denby is a Freelance Soaps writer covering all the latest news in the Dales, Cobbles and East End for Radio Times. She's a soaps nerd with a love for comedy drama, and has also written for Digital Spy, Metro UK and Yahoo UK.

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