EastEnders' Zack in emotional scenes for HIV story

EastEnders has aired emotional scenes for Zack Hudson as his HIV storyline continues.

Earlier this week, Zack's old friend Brett paid him a visit and encouraged him to get tested for HIV. The two used to share steroid needles, and Brett has now found out that he is HIV-positive.

Wednesday's episode sees Zack trying to shut out his old friend so he can ignore the situation. Sharon was alarmed to see Brett around, and Zack tried to placate her by insisting he isn't back on steroids.

Zack also had Whitney's ultrasound looming, where he'd find out more about their child. Brett seized this opportunity to urge Zack to get tested for the sake of his child.

What to Read Next

In spite of the advice, Zack chose to get drunk at the club instead. Whitney confronted him over his behaviour, leading to a blazing row where Zack insisted he doesn't want to be a father.

When a hurt Whitney stormed out of the club, Zack angrily smashesda glass. The episode concluded dramatically as Zack stared as his bleeding hand while contemplating his world spinning out.

EastEnders producers are working on this issue-based storyline with Terrence Higgins Trust as a way to encourage more dialogue about HIV in our culture.

BBC

Producer Chris Clenshaw has expressed hopes that this EastEnders storyline can dispel misconceptions about living with HIV in a world where tremendous strides have been made in treating the virus.

"EastEnders has never shied away from covering sensitive issues, and Zack's story is one of these," the producer said last week.

"There are still so many myths and disinformation surrounding HIV, so 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."

EastEnders was one of the first UK dramas to depict HIV/AIDS 30 years ago, when Mark Fowler was diagnosed in a gripping storyline.

EastEnders airs on Mondays - Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer.