25 January 2023 , 09:04
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EastEnders spoilers have revealed Whitney receives some worrying news next week after having a new ultrasound.
Whitney - played by Shona McGarty - was overjoyed when she found out she was expecting a baby, and later revealed it came about following a one night stand with Zack. However, she is dealt some really worrying news next week after going for an ultrasound.
On the BBC soap next week, Whitney is left panicking when she experiences spotting and rushes to hospital to get checked out, Kat in tow as she vows to support her and go with her to see the medical professionals.
Kat supports a worried Whitney (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)Whilst there, Sam looks for Zack and on finding him, they discuss his HIV diagnosis and vows to support him. He tells her he feels ashamed about having HIV and is terrified about how the stigma surrounding it will affect his friendships and relationships.
When he tells her he hasn't picked up his medications, Sam is furious, as she also urges him to tell Whitney about his diagnosis.
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Meanwhile, at the hospital, Whitney is horrified when Dr Lane reveals the ultrasound has flagged something with the baby.
Zack has been diagnosed with HIV (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)Zack found out about his exposure to HIV when his old acquaintance Brett arrived in Walford with news of his own diagnosis, and as the pair had shared steroid needles in the past, Zack was at risk of having it too.
Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer, said of the storyline: " EastEnders has never shied away from covering sensitive issues and Zack’s story is one of these. There are still so many myths and disinformation surrounding HIV.
"Working closely with Terrence Higgins Trust has enabled us to really understand what it is like for those that are diagnosed with HIV and we hope that this storyline will bring more awareness of HIV and what it is like to live with the virus in 2023."
Whitney is horrified by the news (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)Actress Shona previously revealed Whitney was terrified when she found out she was having a baby.
She said: "Her first reaction is she's really scared and worried! She's worried because she's not in a relationship with Zack - they were just casually sleeping together. I guess she just feels like she's not settled, and she's unsure about the future, and she's got to decide whether she can do it on her own. But equally, it's something that Whitney's always wanted her whole life."
Shona explained that when she first read the script she "actually cried", describing it as "so beautiful".