EastEnders SPOILER: Zack reveals his HIV diagnosis to the entire Square

Zack Hudson will finally share his HIV diagnosis with the entire Square on next week’s EastEnders, after being goaded over pulling out of a fight with Ben Mitchell.

While times have certainly changed around those who are HIV positive, upcoming scenes will prove some old viewpoints remain, as Zack faces a mixed reaction from punters when he shares his health battle.

It comes as Zack begins planning for his future with Whitney after sharing his diagnosis with his family, but will she be willing to rekindle their romance after their daughter Peach’s death? 

In the upcoming episodes, Zack is feeling more positive now Sharon and Martin know about his diagnosis. 

He becomes even more excited about the idea of getting a flat with Whitney and trying for another baby when his viral load comes down. 

Later, he approaches Ravi for a loan for a deposit, but when he shares his exciting news with Whitney, she’s blindsided. 

After heading to The Vic with Martin and Whitney, Zack clashes with Ben over their cancelled fight.

When Ben accuses him of being a coward by refusing to fight, Zack tells the entire pub that he dropped out because he’s HIV positive.

The Vic punters are reeling after Zack’s announcement, with Martin imploring him to focus on his future with Whitney and not rush into anything.

At Walford East, Nugget makes Ravi feel small when he reads him the riot act about being so ignorant about HIV, while Zack apologises to Whitney for rushing her and promises to go slow. 

The pair were left devastated by the death of their little girl last month, after doctors revealed she had Edwards’ Syndrome. 

They are no longer together but Zack decided to finally tell Whitney (Shona McGarty) of his diagnosis.

While Whitney struggled to instantly accept Zack’s news, viewers took to Twitter to praise his handling of the situation, with many insisting Whitney could have handled things differently.

Drama: It comes as Zack begins planning for his future with Whitney after sharing his diagnosis with his family, but will she be willing to rekindle their romance?

Supported: In the upcoming episodes, Zack is feeling more positive now Sharon and Martin know about his diagnosis

Progress: He becomes even more excited about the idea of getting a flat with Whitney and trying for another baby when his viral load comes down

Rage: When Ben accuses him of being a coward by refusing to fight him in the boxing ring, Zack tells the entire pub that he dropped out because he’s HIV positive

Speaking ahead of the episodes, actor James Farrar, who plays Zack, explained: ‘It’s painful and there are some ignorant comments from the residents of Walford. 

‘Zack experiences all of these judgements for the first time and it breaks him down through the lack of understanding, but it helps him filter out the people he doesn’t need in his life.

‘Zack is very optimistic and I feel like he constantly wants to try and fix things. Zack wants to jump straight into planning a family and a future together with Whitney.

‘That’s how Zack feels will help him deal with the pain of recent events and he thinks it will help things get a little bit easier for his relationship with Whitney.

‘They’ve both said that they love each other which is beautiful, and Zack and Whitney have fallen in love as a result of the trauma.’

Call THT Direct on 0808 802 1221 for HIV support or email info@tht.org.uk,

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer.