08 August 2023 , 20:11
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EastEnders viewers were left in tears after Whitney Dean dropped some devastating baby news on her partner Zack Hudson.
Whitney, who has endured an incredibly tough couple of months after suffering a heartbreaking miscarriage, spent time with her boyfriend as they marked the day they were supposed to welcome their baby girl, Peach. As they reminisced on what could have been as they marked the loss of their baby on her due date, Zack told Whitney that he was hoping to try for another child again, given that his viral load has reduced enough to have unprotected sex without risk of passing HIV onto Whitney.
While Zack was hopeful about a future with Whitney which included having more children, market trader Whitney didn't seem as optimistic as she finally shared her true feelings. Whitney told Zack: "You know I dream about Peach all the time? I dream about dressing her up in pretty little outfits. I know it sounds stupid but I even dream about breastfeeding her. And then I wake up and I’m hugging the pillow and I’m just crying.”
"Listen what I’m saying is I don’t think I could bear it again. Not for a third time. I don’t think I could put my body through that again. I know how much you want kids. Zack, you’re not listening to me. I can’t. I can’t alright? Not now, not ever. I’m sorry," an emotional Whitney insisted.
EastEnders’ Whitney Dean drops heartbreaking baby bombshell on Zack Hudson (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)Following Whitney's brave and heartbreaking baby confession, EastEnders viewers showered the Albert Square character with praise. "The storyline with Whitney and Zack is so important. Infant death is something that's still very much a taboo, and needs to be discussed more openly," one shared.
EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likeness
"This scene is so poignant between Whitney and Zach. The look on Whit's face when Zack said they can talk about having kids," another echoed. While someone else shared: "So many women will be able to relate to this. It's so important."
It comes after Shona opened up about the real reason for her exit from the BBC soap. Last week, it was reported that Shona - who has played Whitney Dean for several years - will be departing her role in the coming months. She has now spoken out about her decision in length, revealing what's coming up for her.
Shona explained it wasn't an "easy" decision leaving her friends and colleagues as well as her character behind and feels grateful she's been trusted with some of the soap's biggest stories, including the more sensitive ones too.
Shona's exit from EastEnders was announced last week (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)Speaking to Inside Soap, she said: "It wasn’t an easy decision because I've made so many friends. I’ve seen people come and go, and meanwhile, Whitney has been one of the longest-standing characters. I've had so much fun and done so many storylines, some of which have been sensitive, and I've been honoured to be trusted with such heavy stuff year after year. So I'm going to be sad to say goodbye to my friends and family, but it was the right decision for me as I want to do other things. After 15 years, I’ve had a pretty good run."
Shona's exit was announced last week, and she vowed she'd be keeping in touch with her co-stars. She said: "I have decided to spread my wings and will be leaving EastEnders. I have loved my years in the show. I have been trusted with some incredible storylines and have made amazing friendships - and family - which will endure.
"It wasn’t an easy decision for Shona to make and she is gutted to be walking away from her soap family, especially as she has grown up on set with most of them. She’ll be sorely missed by the cast," a source added of her exit. "But she feels like now is the right time in her life to step away and try something new. She is hoping the door will be left open for her character to return one day, but nothing is guaranteed and it is all in the hands of the scriptwriters."
Shona joined the cast of EastEnders at the age of 16 in 2008 and has led some huge storylines during her time. She is reportedly being lined up for the next series of Dancing On Ice following her exit from the BBC soap.
*EastEnders airs Mondays - Fridays at 7.30pm on BBC One