Yahoo News EastEnders viewer praise show for powerful Whitney and Zack scenes
The following article contains discussion of themes including child loss.
EastEnders spoilers follow.
EastEnders viewers have praised the soap for powerful Whitney Dean and Zack Hudson scenes.
The couple suffered the tragic loss of their daughter Peach last week, after doctors discovered she might not survive birth due to Edwards’ Syndrome, a chromosomal abnormality that puts a child at higher risk for seizures or hearing loss if they survive birth.
Monday's episode was a heart-wrenching half-hour, as Whitney and Zack struggled to come to terms with losing their daughter.
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The two were at odds about leaving Peach at the hospital, especially after a nurse explained that their daughter's existence would not be legally recognised.
As the nurse encouraged Whitney to take comfort in the baby box the hospital prepared for Peach, Whitney broke down: "That stuff shouldn't be in a box. It should be in the cot.
"My baby should be in that cot, but she ain't, is she?"
Zack tried to seek some answers in the hospital's faith centre, where he confided in an expectant father about the loss he was struggling to process.
"This little girl, she was going to be the best thing that ever happened to me. Start my life, save my life," he explained.
The father pointed out that while he couldn't relate to Zack's ordeal, Whitney could, and that's why he should be confiding in her.
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"Go and be there for her," the man suggested.
Zack did return to Whitney's side so they could have a final moment with Peach. After their emotional goodbye, Zack broached the subject of wanting to try to have another child.
As he described a dream life raising the children, Zack asked: "I can still see it. Can you?"
Whitney's slight smile faded, as she admitted: "I can't see anything."
This powerful episode drew wide praise from viewers for the way it portrayed a situation all too many people face on a daily basis:
Omg @JamesFarrar_ and @ShonaBM need to get all the awards for this storyline. They are incredible
— Olivia 🇬🇧🇺🇦 (@OliviaG37717638) March 6, 2023
Just watched tonight's @bbceastenders on iPlayer. One of the most powerful and heartbreaking episodes I've ever seen. Simply outstanding from @JamesFarrar_ and @ShonaBM #EastEnders
— Ed 💙 🇺🇦 (@ehjmartin) March 6, 2023
Tonight’s episode of #EastEnders is so powerful, and I cannot begin to praise @ShonaBM and @JamesFarrar_ enough for their incredible performances throughout this storyline! ❤️
It’s definitely an episode you don’t want to miss, however have tissues at the ready! 😢— Logan Smith (@TheNorfolkGeek) March 6, 2023
#EastEnders tonights episode is one of the best episodes of Eastenders. Beautiful writing and brilliant acting by everyone but particularly @ShonaBM and @JamesFarrar_ . Heartbreaking
— Sezza (@Sezzarid) March 6, 2023
@ShonaBM has been playing Whitney amazing #EastEnders
— Carrie Thomas (@carriet1234) March 6, 2023
shona deserves all the awards for this storyline! #EastEnders
— amy ❁ (@startinfan) March 6, 2023
Shona is such a great actress 😍 #Eastenders
— Marie Anthony 🏴🇬🇧 (@mlawelshgirl) March 6, 2023
EastEnders airs on Mondays - Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer.
Read more EastEnders spoilers on our dedicated homepage
Readers affected by this story may visit SOFT UK and Antenatal Results and Choices for further information and support.
Sands supports anyone affected by the death of a baby. You can contact the Sands National Helpline on 0808 164 3332, or email helpline@sands.org.uk.
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