BBC EastEnders airs surprise proposal ahead of soap exit after 16 years

EastEnders aired a surprise twist on Thursday night as one couple got engaged.

Viewers will recall that Whitney Dean recently visited her stepmother Bianca Jackson in Milton Keynes, leading to her meeting troubled youngster Britney. Whitney ended up paying the teen’s mother Keeley off so she could care for her, while lying that she’d adopted her with social services aware. The truth did come out to her partner Zack Hudson last week and he was furious.

They ended up having a blazing row about it and their future, with pregnant Whitney confessing she would choose Britney over him any day. Zack felt unsupported and sidelined, and as though he didn’t matter, which Whitney didn’t exactly deny.

Whitney also fell out with pal Lauren Branning who she believed had told Zack the truth, when in fact it was Britney. Zack and Lauren ended up heading out together to let off some steam, while Whitney was called out by her loved ones for her lies, with her left contemplating her treatment towards Zack.

As Britney was reassured that she was still family, she asked whether Zack was leaving but Whitney claimed this was not the case, clearly keen to sort things out. But the camera then panned back to Lauren and Zack who were sharing a steamy kiss down an alley.

On Monday’s episode, Bianca returned to Albert Square and Zack soon accidentally confessed to Bianca that he had cheated on Whitney with Lauren. However, this was the least of their worries as Whitney had a meeting with Britney’s teacher about her Usher Syndrome diagnosis, where Reiss accidentally revealed that Whitney is not Britney’s mother.

This resulted in Britney being taken away by social services until they could corroborate Whitney’s version of events with Keeley. Bianca and Zack worked together to track down Keeley, where Zack managed to persuade her to speak to social services and later Britney arrived back home to a delighted Whitney.

On Thursday night, Zack was Whitney’s hero while Bianca told Zack that a deal is a deal, promising not to tell Whitney but pointed out he should confess. Later, the family headed to the Vic, where Olly Alexander, who will represent the United Kingdom at Eurovision 2024, made a guest appearance.

Getting swept up in the moment, Whitney decided to make a bold decision as she got down on one knee and proposed to Zack, who accepted. However, in true soap style, just as Zack accepted, Lauren walked in and was left devastated at what she saw, storming out.

It comes as EastEnders fans will be saying goodbye to a Walford favourite soon as Whitney actress Shona McGarty prepares to bow out of the BBC One soap after 16 years. It was revealed last year that Whitney actress Shona had quit the hit soap and her exit scenes are set to play out very soon. Will she find out about Zack or get her happily ever after?