This week’s EastEnders delivered a whirlwind of emotions, family betrayal, and shocking returns from the dead. The truth about Zack Hudson’s fate, Barney’s real parentage, and a long-buried murder finally came to light, shattering illusions and leaving the Mitchell family reeling.

After being kidnapped by Harry to stop him from leaving with Barney, a drugged Zack was unconscious when Teddy attempted to drive him home. The chaos escalated when Zack suddenly woke up and grabbed the steering wheel, causing the car to crash into a lake. Teddy made it out safely, but Zack disappeared beneath the water, and the Mitchells feared the worst — Zack had drowned.

When Vicki heard the devastating news, she couldn’t keep the truth from Barney any longer. With no time to soften the blow, she told Barney that Zack was actually his biological father — and that he had just died in the accident. The emotional bombshell left Barney devastated and confused.

Nicola tried to cover her tracks, dismissing Vicki’s revelation as false, but Teddy put an end to that by confirming the truth. He then sat down with Barney for a heart-wrenching conversation, during which he revealed another shocking secret: how Shireen had really died. The pressure of these life-altering truths sent Barney into emotional turmoil.

Needing space to process everything, Barney went to visit Vicki, who was mourning with Phil and Linda. Just as they were beginning to grasp the reality of Zack’s supposed death — Zack walked through the door, soaking wet but very much alive.

It turned out that Zack had managed to swim to the other side of the lake and make his way back, stunning everyone who had believed he was dead. His return sparked an emotional exchange with Barney, who, despite everything, began to bond with his father. But the peace was short-lived.

When Zack angrily branded Nicola as evil, Barney, overwhelmed by the conflict, fled the house again — caught between the family he had always known and the father he had just found.

Meanwhile, back at the pub, the tension between Harry and Nicola reached breaking point. Harry confronted his mother about Shireen’s death, and Nicola finally dropped the act. She admitted that she didn’t merely order the hit on Shireen — she killed her with her own hands. Shireen had discovered the truth about Barney’s paternity and threatened to reveal it, so Nicola silenced her permanently.

Harry, furious and betrayed, lashed out at Nicola just as Teddy entered the scene. Nicola revealed her confession to Teddy, only to discover he already knew — he had just kept quiet to protect the family. She begged him not to let Harry turn against him as well.

Outside, Barney witnessed a brutal clash between Zack and Teddy as emotions boiled over. The two men, both claiming to care for Barney, came to blows in front of the teen. Torn and emotionally exhausted, Barney confided in Nicola that he just wanted things to go back to how they were. In a bittersweet decision, he chose to return home with the Mitchells — leaving Zack heartbroken and alone.

As the dust began to settle after an earth-shattering day, the Mitchells tried to recapture a sense of normalcy. Despite all the pain, they laughed together when Barney suggested playing a board game — a simple moment of family unity amid the chaos.

But the question lingers: can things ever truly go back to the way they were? Nicola’s murderous past is now exposed, Zack’s relationship with Barney is fractured, and Teddy’s loyalty is being tested from every direction. With so many secrets now laid bare and wounds still fresh, the Mitchells may have reunited — but their family dynamic has changed forever.

Will Zack continue to fight for his place in Barney’s life? And will Nicola finally face justice for what she’s done? One thing’s certain — this is far from over in Walford.