Fearing for his family’s safety amid his ongoing feud with murderous Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) Zack Hudson (James Farrar) plans his exit from Walford in upcoming EastEnders spoilers.

Zack learned earlier this year that a prior fling with Nicola resulted in the birth of his son – teenage Barney Mitchell (Lewis Bridgeman).

Still smarting from the death of baby Peach and ex Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty) taking his daughter Dolly away, broody Zack immediately set out to connect with the son he never knew he had.

Not a good idea, as Nicola was determined to keep the truth about Barney’s parentage from both the lad and his dad, Teddy (Roland Manookian).

When a beating from her thugs failed to dissuade Zack, Nicola resorted to even nastier tactics – sharing that she’d been responsible for the death of Shireen Bashar, and would do the same for Zack, Whitney and Dolly if he didn’t back off.

With Whitney in hiding, Zack plans on fleeing Walford also… and he’s planning on taking his son with him.

This comes as Zack hears from Whitney, who tells him that she’s found a safe place for her and the girls to live, away from Nicola.

He shares the news with Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig), who suggests that he should pay them a visit, putting some distance between himself and the Mitchells.

However, Zack is given food for thought when he bumps into Barney and learns that the youth is struggling with feelings of isolation for his family.

After talking to Barney, Zack tells Vicki that he’s going to see Whitney and the girls – but he’ll be taking Barney too.

Set on his plan, Zack begins to gather evidence that Barney isn’t safe around Nicola and Teddy.

However, his plan to steal Barney away from the Mitchells has Vicki worried.

Can she talk Zack out of his scheme before he puts himself in danger of the Mitchells’ wrath?