BBC/Composite: EastEnders Insider Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Claire Crick 25 May 2026, 10:05 By Claire Crick 25 May 2026, 10:05 'How did they keep that a secret?!' EastEnders fans stunned as Walford legend makes shock return in iPlayer episode We didn't see this one coming... Whitney Dean Zack Hudson Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Claire Crick 25 May 2026, 10:05 By Claire Crick 25 May 2026, 10:05 WARNING: This article is full of spoilers for today’s EastEnders episode, which is streaming on BBC iPlayer now but has not yet aired on BBC One, and sees Whitney Dean make a comeback. EastEnders fans have been left speechless today as Whitney, played by Shona McGarty, returned to Walford for an impromptu lunch with her ex, Zack Hudson – two years after she was last seen on screen. The legendary return, which had been kept completely under wraps by EastEnders, has thrilled fans, who are all calling for the character to make a permanent return. But what has brought Whitney back to the Square? Fans were shocked to see Whitney back in Walford (Credit: BBC) Zack’s mystery phone call As Alfie and Kat get ready for Vicki and Ross’s wedding in today’s EastEnders, Zack is distracted by a mysterious phone call. Article continues below Read all the latest spoilers After taking the call, he has a spring in his step and asks Kat for some time off. He keeps his plans under wraps, but seems happy as he heads off. It is only later that we see what has put him in a good mood. As George and Eddie have lunch at Knight Fusion, Gina rushes in to say that Nicola has taken Ivy to A&E with a temperature. George panics and wants to go with them, leaving a very reluctant Gina to take Eddie back home.Don't miss a single story! Add us as a Preferred Source in Google for all your EastEnders newsIt's important to us that you never miss our articles when searching for stories! We have all the latest TV news & schedules to share with our community of loyal readers. Click here and tick TVGuide.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search. However, it is only as they leave that we see Zack is sitting behind them with a mystery woman, who eventually turns out to be Whitney. Zack is nervous as they make small talk, and Whintey shows him photos of their daughter Dolly and foster daughter, Britney. He comments that the girls look happy, but questions if Whitney is happy raising them both on her own. He points out that she could move back to Walford so that they could be a family again. Whitney begs him not to make this harder than it needs to be, and drops the bombshell that she is seeing someone else. Zack is heartbroken by the news, and Whitney’s shock return has definitely caused a stir amongst EastEnders fans… Whitney left in 2004 with her foster daughter Britney (Credit: BBC) EastEnders fans are thrilled to see Whitney back Viewers took to social media to share their happiness at seeing Whitney back on their screens. They especially loved the fact that it had been kept a secret… “Wow, I wasn’t expecting that. How on earth did they manage to keep that a secret?” said one fan on Reddit. “I agree, I’m impressed that they kept this quiet! Most returns would have more impact if they were kept secret,” agreed a second fan. A third fan added: “No way – Whitney’s back! Seeing her was such a moment!” Another viewer pointed out that Whitney’s return could be linked to another comeback. “I’m curious to see if Whitney’s shock return also plays into Grey’s return. That would be epic!” Whitney shows Zack photos of Dolly (Credit: BBC) Over on X, fans were saying the same thing about Whitney’s return. “My favourite all-time character, Whitney Dean, is back after 2 years away. Now this was a nice surprise I didn’t see coming. I hope Whitney and Zack reunite at some point – I actually really liked them together.” EastEnders spoilers have revealed that Zack is set to try to sabotage Vicki and Ross’s wedding later this week. Could it be Whitney’s news that she is moving on with someone else that leads him to try to rekindle things with Vicki again? Watch this space! Read more: Who’s leaving, joining and returning to EastEnders? Complete list of cast exits, arrivals and returns Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google Good to Know Share Add as preferred source on Google Add as preferred source on Google By Claire Crick 25 May 2026, 10:05 By Claire Crick 25 May 2026, 10:05 Next Story
