The next chapter of EastEnders promises to deliver an emotional rollercoaster and high-octane drama, as Zack Hudson finds himself at the heart of a deadly spiral that could change lives forever. Ever since learning that Barney Mitchell is his biological son, Zack has wrestled with his emotions — torn between wanting to do the right thing and the fear that his past, and more dangerously, Nicola Mitchell, might drag Barney into a toxic future.

Zack’s complicated history with Nicola has resurfaced in full force. Despite a once-romantic connection, the truth about Nicola’s manipulative and narcissistic behavior has left Zack reeling. Though he once viewed her through the lens of past affection, he now sees the dangerous potential she poses — not only to himself but more importantly, to their son. Nicola’s increasingly erratic behavior, and Zack’s growing realization of her true character, sparks a desperate decision: he plans to leave Walford and take Barney with him for a fresh start with Whitney and Dolly.

This decision, however, sets off a chain reaction that spirals wildly out of control. Zack voices his concern about Nicola’s fitness as a mother to the authorities, and in doing so, unknowingly lights a fuse. He turns to Harry for help — a move that initially feels like an act of trust, but quickly transforms into something much darker. Both Zack and Harry are volatile personalities, driven by emotion more than logic. That combination proves deadly when Harry unexpectedly flips, spiraling into unpredictable and dangerous behavior.

When Harry realizes the gravity of Zack’s plan — and the reality of Barney’s true paternity — his internal conflict becomes unbearable. He betrays Zack’s trust by revealing the plan to Nicola and Teddy. Chaos ensues. Nicola and Teddy rush to stop Zack before he disappears with Barney, but they’re not the first to reach him. In a shocking twist, Harry finds Zack and — consumed by impulsive fear and confusion — stuffs him into the boot of a car and drives off, triggering a wild pursuit.

Teddy, desperate to intercept Harry, jumps into a car with Billy and Honey Mitchell, along with Nigel Bates. What follows is a frantic and dangerous chase through the countryside, with emotions running high and the stakes growing deadlier by the second. But what none of them anticipate is how far off the rails this ride is about to go. During the pursuit, one of the vehicles loses control, swerving violently off the road and plunging into a lake.

The harrowing crash leaves multiple lives hanging in the balance as terrified passengers are trapped underwater. As panic and grief spread through Walford, viewers are left asking: Who survives this nightmare? What irreversible damage has been done — physically and emotionally? And how will the Mitchell family cope with the full fallout of Barney’s paternity revelation?

With a deadly cocktail of betrayal, desperation, and heartbreak, EastEnders is gearing up for one of its most explosive and emotional weeks yet. Actor James Farrar, who plays Zack, has teased “fireworks, danger, and tears” — and judging by this storyline, viewers are in for all that and more.