Zack Hudson and Whitney Dean make major decision in EastEnders

WITH his HIV diagnosis out in the open, Zack Hudson is ready to look to the future with Whitney Dean.

The couple make a huge decision for their life together next week in EastEnders following the death of their daughter.

The Walford East chef portrayed by James Farrar kept his HIV diagnosis a secret for several months and has slowly come to terms with it.

Sam Mitchell was the first resident to support him in the beginning of his ordeal and he soon opened up to his partner, Whitney Dean (portrayed by Shona McGarty).

Recent scenes of the BBC One soap then showed Zack feeling cornered by his half-sister Sharon Watts (Letitia Dean) who informed him he would need to go through a blood test to take part in a boxing match at her gym.

Zack told both Sharon and his friend Martin Fowler about his diagnosis and the pair have congratulated him on his bravery and shown their support.

With the both of them knowing about his diagnosis, Zack feels more positive and is ready for the next chapter of his life, despite the virus.

He begins to plan ahead and gets excited about the idea of getting a flat with Whitney before he considers trying for another baby when his viral load comes down.

Later on, he approaches his boss Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) for a loan for a deposit and informs Whitney.

But how will the blindsided market trader react to the news?

Later scenes will show that not everything is in order for Zack and when he begins to clash with Ben Mitchell (Max Bowden) in The Vic, everything could be coming to ahead for him.

The mechanic accuses Zack of being a coward by refusing to fight as he has no idea the chef was simply pushed from the ring due to his HIV diagnosis.

Zack has had enough of feeling shame for his condition and he retaliates by telling the entire pub that he dropped out of the fight because he’s HIV positive.

While some Walford residents have shown him support and kindness, not everyone in Albert Square is as accepting and Zack will be experiencing some of their ignorance.

Back home, Martin comforts him and implores Zack to look to his future with Whitney and not rush into anything with her.

Zack decides to take on Martin’s advice and apologises to Whitney.

The lovebirds decide to take things slow to make sure their future lasts.

Meanwhile, Nugget Gulati takes a stand against his father Ravi at Walford East and tears a strip off him about Zack.

EastEnders airs from Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One.