‘Zack has deep-rooted issues’
Whitney returns to Albert Square and Zack is excited to see her – until she turns up with Britney and makes the revelation that she’s decided to foster her. Actor James Farrar says Zack really isn’t impressed
How does Zack feel about Whitney’s return to Walford?
Zack wants Whitney home so they can start their life together with their baby. Zack is the sort of person who papers over cracks and with everything that’s happened, he just wants to make things right. Zack hopes that he can put everything they argued about and the Lauren situation behind him so he can move forward with his little family.
Does Zack feel guilty about trying to kiss Lauren Branning (played by Jacqueline Jossa)?
Zack feels a real sense of guilt and he still doesn’t know why that situation happened. I think he felt seen by Lauren because she empathised with him over the Britney situation – and there’s also a definite physical attraction there. Zack has deep-rooted issues with people not showing him the love that he thinks he might deserve.
Tell us about the moment that Whitney turns up with Britney at The Vic?
It’s a shock. It’s also sad because there is a scene in the cafe before Whitney arrives where Zack is talking to Sonia, Chelsea and Felix, and everyone is excited about the baby and they are planning a surprise baby shower in The Vic. So when Whitney arrives with Britney, it floors Zack. He hasn’t seen Britney for a few weeks and suddenly this young person, who has given him so much hassle, has turned up.
How does Zack feel about Whitney revealing she has fostered Britney?
For such a lovely guy, Zack can be pretty brutal. That’s probably based on the trauma he’s gone through in his past. He’s being incredibly selfish and doesn’t want to foster.
Do you think that Zack and Whitney can resolve all their differences?
I’m not sure. All the decisions being made are very irrational. They should be able to meet halfway but, for some reason, they can’t seem to.
What was it like to film on location with Patsy Palmer (who plays Bianca Jackson) and Shona Mcgarty (Whitney Dean)?
It’s probably up there with one of my best weeks at
Eastenders. It was great to work with an incredible cast and crew, who had to have a lot of respect for the subject matter. When she steps on to a set, Patsy creates a certain energy and we had the best time ever. It was a joy to have all those scenes with her.