EastEnders fans were left stunned by an unexpected return of a fan favourite on the BBC soap during Monday's episode, as Whitney Dean dropped big news on her ex Zack Hudson.
Zack Hudson was left surprised to see a familiar face, as an iconic character headed back to Walford with some news for him. This article contains spoilers for Monday's episode which is on BBC iPlayer now.
For those fans wanting to watch later on BBC One, look away now! The return had been kept top secret by show bosses, and was not revealed in spoilers or even leaked ahead of it happening.
It was Whitney Dean who made her return to the show after two years. Actress Shona McGarty reprised her role for the first time since her exit, while the character originally debuted in 2008.
Fans were left in disbelief by the comeback and the fact it had not been let slip before it aired. For those viewers yet to watch, the surprise may have been less of a shock as some fans had already given away the twist on social media soon after the episode dropped on Monday morning.
That said many fans remained cryptic with their reactions, with plenty happy to see the character back in Walford. Taking to social media, one fan said: "DA F**K Whitney???" Another shocked fan said: "WHITNEY?!" as a third added: "How did they introduce Whitney back like that?" A fourth thrilled fan wrote: "My favourite all time EE character Whitney Dean is back after 2 years away."
The comments kept on coming with one fan asking: "Omg Whitney, what you doing here?" while another posted: "WHITNEY?!?!?!?!?" A further post read: "Oooh is that Whitney? Hmmm Zack is still clearly in love with her, I don't know why the writers want us to buy him and Vicki, I've seen more chemistry between a banana and a fruit fly."
Not all fans were impressed though, as one fan said: "Is it that significant a return? She only left two years ago." But plenty others were happy with the twist.
A viewer said: "Wow wasn't expecting that," followed by another post that read: "Ooh seeing Whitney was a surprise!" One fan said: "Of all the returns there could have been, I wasn't expecting that one! Glad that wasn't spoiled."
Praising the soap for keeping it quiet, a fan commented: "I'm impressed that they kept this quiet! Most returns would have more impact if they were kept secret I feel. Would have liked to see the little one too."
A divided fan posted: "No way, seeing that person was such a moment. So unexpected but also felt out of place IMO." A final comment read: "What a secret return! It also felt strange, I assume because she doesn't have any family on the square anymore. Would love to see her back!"
EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
