Zack Hudson is ready to run — but is he about to make a mistake that could put everything on the line?

In upcoming EastEnders episodes, tensions reach boiling point as Zack (James Farrar) begins plotting a dangerous escape from Walford, fueled by fear and desperation. After uncovering the shocking truth that he fathered a teenage son, Barney Mitchell (Lewis Bridgeman), during a past fling with the sinister Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington), Zack finds himself trapped in a violent family feud with deadly consequences.

Zack’s already emotionally raw. Still grieving the tragic loss of baby Peach and reeling from Whitney Dean’s (Shona McGarty) decision to leave Walford with their daughter Dolly, he sees Barney as a chance to right past wrongs. But reconnecting with his newfound son quickly unravels into a nightmare. Nicola is not just intent on keeping Zack and Barney apart — she’s proven she’ll stop at nothing to do it.

After her hired thugs failed to intimidate Zack into walking away, Nicola raised the stakes by chillingly confessing to a previous murder — the killing of Shireen Bashar. She made it clear she would have no problem repeating the crime if Zack didn’t back off, even threatening Whitney and Dolly’s lives. Her message was clear: stay away, or else.

While Whitney remains in hiding, Zack realises he might have to disappear too — not just for his own safety, but to protect Barney as well. When Whitney contacts him to say she’s found a secure place to stay, it confirms his instinct to flee. Now, Zack’s not just considering leaving Walford — he’s planning to take his son with him.

His confidante, Vicki Fowler (Alice Haig), is the first to hear about the idea. She suggests visiting Whitney and the girls as a way of getting some space from the chaos, but Zack has something more permanent in mind. The plan starts to take shape after a heartfelt encounter with Barney. The teen confides in Zack that he feels deeply alone and disconnected from his supposed family — a revelation that only fuels Zack’s resolve.

Realising the emotional harm Nicola and her partner Teddy (Roland Manookian) are inflicting on Barney, Zack begins collecting evidence to prove the boy is unsafe in their care. He’s convinced that taking Barney away is the only option, but Vicki is alarmed by the direction things are heading.

She knows that defying the Mitchells — especially ones as dangerous as Nicola — is not something to be taken lightly. Vicki urges Zack to reconsider, reminding him that stealing Barney away could trigger serious consequences for everyone involved. The Mitchells don’t forget, and they don’t forgive. Zack’s well aware of that, but he’s also a father now — and his protective instincts are in overdrive.

This new twist adds further complexity to Zack’s already fraught emotional state. Still heartbroken over losing Whitney and their child, he’s desperate for a connection, for redemption — and in Barney, he sees both. But this reckless plan may only worsen his pain if it goes wrong.

As Zack moves forward with his scheme, he’s entering dangerous territory. Nicola has already proven she’s capable of murder, and if she catches wind of Zack’s intentions, she won’t hold back. The looming threat over Whitney, Dolly, and now Barney casts a long shadow over everything Zack does.

The question now is whether Vicki can make Zack see reason before it’s too late. Can she convince him to find a safer, legal path to protect Barney? Or is Zack too far gone, willing to risk everything — even his life — for a child he’s only just met?

This storyline adds another layer of intensity to Zack’s character arc, showcasing his raw vulnerability and growing courage. Viewers have watched him evolve from a man haunted by grief and guilt to someone ready to fight for his child — but at what cost?

With Nicola circling like a vulture and Teddy lurking in the background, Zack’s every move is under threat. And as fans know, few people escape the Mitchell web unscathed.

As the episodes unfold, viewers will be left biting their nails. Will Zack succeed in saving Barney and reuniting with Whitney and Dolly? Or is he charging headfirst into Nicola’s trap?

One thing’s for certain: Walford won’t be quiet for long. Zack’s decision could set off a chain of events that rips open old wounds, exposes dark secrets, and ignites a war between the Mitchells and anyone brave — or foolish — enough to stand against them.