BBC EastEnders wedding in chaos as Whitney attacks Lauren and dumps Zack ahead of exit

EastEnders aired explosive scenes on Tuesday in the fallout to a cheating bombshell being dropped at Whitney Dean and Zack Hudson’s wedding.

Whitney found out Zack had slept with her best friend and Maid of Honour Lauren Branning, announced by Britney during her vows. It led to violent scenes as Whitney slapped Lauren with her bouquet before grabbing her by the hair, and dragging her across the floor.

She then punched Zack in the face and had to be held back, before she fled the scene in tears. Whitney broke down as she got home over another failed wedding, and another betrayal by a partner.

Just days on from the birth of their baby daughter Dolly, Whitney realised Zack had slept with Lauren while she was pregnant. Whitney had a chat with Britney as she worked out what she was going to do, and she soon came to a realisation.

Speaking with Zack, Whitney claimed she was better off without him and that to be a better mother, she had to end their relationship. Whitney dumped him leaving him devastated, as she vowed they were over for good.

Viewers were calling the episode “cinematic” as Whitney attacked the groom and Lauren, with the fast-paced camera work also showing the hilarious reactions of the wedding guests. While some fans were not keen on the violence, others were happy to see Zack exposed especially after he made Britney lie for him.

Taking to X, one fan posted: “I usually wait until later to watch the full episode but this is just everything.” Another fan posted: “When Whitney went after Lauren…that was literally a cinema moment!” while a third added: “These two shots following the speed and direction of Whitney’s slaps round to the wedding dress reaction was absolute cinema.”

Whitney actress Shona McGarty is leaving the show very soon after 16 years in the role. Shona is thought to be bowing out at the end of the week, while it’s not known if she will leave with Zack.

Recently speaking about her decision to leave, Shona said: “It was a really difficult decision, because it’s all I’ve ever known. I pretty much grew up on the Square, so I feel like I’m leaving home.

“But I had to put on my big girl pants and be quite brave, because life is so short, and you feel that more and more as you get older. There are other opportunities and areas of the industry I want to explore before I get too old! All things come to an end and this is the new chapter of my life.”

She told The Sun: “So although it was a big decision, once I’d made it, I was quite resolute that this was something I had to do. I mean, 16 years is amazing. I’ve had a really good run and Whitney needs a break.”