28 February 2023 , 00:01
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EastEnders will air some truly heartbreaking scenes next week as Whitney and Zack say goodbye to their baby.
Following the passing of their daughter Peach, who they found out had been diagnosed with Edwards’ Syndrome, Zack and Whitney are struggling with their decision and argue about leaving their daughter at the hospital.
Things get even more difficult for the pair as they find out that their daughter's existence isn't legally recognised.
Zack, meanwhile, heads to the faith room but he bumps into an expectant father, with a nonchalant attitude that leaves him fuming.
Whitney struggles with her loss (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)Nurse Lynsey encourages the pair to spend time with Peach, and Whitney eventually agrees before the pair sit down and have a final moment with their daughter before saying their goodbyes in emotional scenes.
EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likeness
When Whitney received the diagnosis, actress Shona McGarty explained how it was her character's "worst nightmare".
"This is Whitney’s worst nightmare. She’s been doing a lot of research online and they always say you shouldn’t search stuff, but obviously Whitney just can’t help it. I’m sure we could all put ourselves in that position and we’d probably do the same," she said.
The pair come together to bid farewell to their child (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)"She’s been doing her research and she knows that if the baby is to be diagnosed with Edwards’ Syndrome, then the chances that the baby would survive are a lot lower so this is her worst nightmare."
She added: "She’s shocked, she’s obviously devastated and it only leaves her with two options, and she really has to make a very difficult decision and think about what she would be able to cope with going forward."
Shona and James Farrar - who plays Zack - sat down to have multiple conversations on how they wanted to play the storyline.
It's been tough for Whitney as of late (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)"Yes we often discussed that we wanted to play a real journey. We thought it was important to let the script speak louder than the acting. It’s so beautifully written, we didn’t really have to work too hard at all. We thought it was important to show the audience Zack’s journey and Whitney’s journey because at the time they’re very different," she added.
"What I think is amazing about the scripts and the storyline is how they’re reflecting all of the little triggers, and everything else that a couple would have to go through. They’re also not forgetting about the man’s emotions as well which I thought was so important. It’s so lovely that so much of Zack’s journey is shown, I think it’s really brilliant. We went through the scripts every day that we were in and we’d run the scenes as we really wanted to do it justice because we really, really care about it."
*If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at childbereavementuk.org or you can call them on 0800 02 888 40.