EastEnders viewers are convinced Lauren Branning has an ulterior motive after she encouraged Zack Hudson to reconsider his relationship with Whitney Dean. During a heart-to-heart, Lauren suggested that Zack and Whitney might be bonded by grief rather than love, following the loss of their baby daughter Peach last year.
Zack had confided in Lauren after his relationship with pregnant Whitney hit a rocky patch, sparked by her determination to care for teenager Britney. Tensions escalated when Zack misread signals and attempted to kiss Lauren, leaving her furious and threatening to expose him to Whitney.
Despite initially vowing to tell Whitney the truth, Lauren later agreed to stay silent. However, she then advised Zack to think carefully about his future with Whitney, questioning whether their relationship was truly what they wanted. Fans took to social media to express their anger, accusing Lauren of trying to break up the couple for her own gain.
One viewer wrote on X: 'Lauren is defo just after Zack for herself,' while another added: 'Lauren stop it you know exactly what you are doing.' A third commented: 'Lauren breaking up a happy couple.' The speculation continued with one fan stating: 'Lauren is determined to split up Whitney and Zack,' and another predicting: 'Lauren clearly wants him and will soon end up in bed.'
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
