EastEnders SPOILERS: Zack Hudson is set to be diagnosed with HIV – 30 years after Mark Fowler’s groundbreaking story
EastEnders has confirmed Zack Hudson will be diagnosed with HIV in a hard-hitting new storyline.
In upcoming scenes, the character – played by James Farrar – will be visited by an old pal named Brett (Fabrizio Santino), who urges Zack to get tested after learning he has the virus himself.
The plot will span more than 30 years since the BBC Soap tackled Mark Fowler’s groundbreaking story, in which the market trader was diagnosed with the virus in 1991 before dying 13 years later of an AIDS-related illness.
Important: EastEnders has confirmed that Zack Hudson will be diagnosed with HIV in a hard-hitting new storyline
EastEnders will collaborate with the Terrence Higgins Trust on the storyline to accurately reflect the realities of living with the virus and to raise awareness of HIV.
After receiving his HIV diagnosis, the soap will also explore everything from Zack’s treatment options to his adjustment to living with HIV.
EastEnders Executive Producer Chris Clenshaw said of the storyline, “EastEnders has never been shy about tackling sensitive subjects, and Zack’s story is one of those.
Revisited: The storyline will be over 30 years since the BBC Soap tackled Mark Fowler’s groundbreaking story of the market trader being diagnosed with the virus in 1991
“There is still so much myth and disinformation surrounding HIV so working closely with the Terrence Higgins Trust has allowed us to really understand what it is like for those diagnosed with HIV and we hope this story will help awareness of HIV and what will raise it is like living with the virus in 2023.”
While Ian Green, chief executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, shared: “It’s been incredible working with EastEnders on Zack’s story, to show people across the UK that an HIV diagnosis doesn’t have to stop you from living life to the fullest enjoy.
“During the height of the HIV epidemic in the 1990s, we worked with EastEnders on Mark Fowler’s story to ensure HIV was accurately portrayed on screen. Mark was the first British mainstream TV character to be diagnosed with HIV.
Synopsis: In the upcoming scenes, the character – played by James Farrar – is visited by an old pal named Brett (Fabrizio Santino) who urges Zack to get tested after learning he has the virus himself
“His story was seen by millions and helped change attitudes towards the virus at a time when fear and misinformation were rampant.”
Ian continued: “Unfortunately, over 30 years into Mark’s story, myths about HIV are still perpetuated by far too many people. The incredible advances we’ve made on HIV mean that people who are receiving effective HIV treatment cannot pass on the virus and can live a normal life.
“We hope Zack’s storyline will educate viewers about the reality of HIV in 2023 and spark conversations in living rooms across the UK.”
Awareness Raising: EastEnders will work with the Terrence Higgins Trust on the storyline to accurately reflect the realities of living with the virus and to raise awareness of HIV
Character: “Unfortunately, over 30 years after Mark’s act, myths about HIV are still perpetuated by far too many people. The incredible advances we’ve made on HIV mean that people who are on effective HIV treatment can stop passing the virus and live a normal lifespan.
Over the past few weeks, viewers have seen Zack adjust to the idea of becoming a father following Whitney Dean’s unexpected pregnancy.
However, the soap has yet to reveal how Zack’s diagnosis will affect Whitney and his other former lovers, including Sam Mitchell and Nancy Carter.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
Synopsis: The soap has yet to reveal how Zack’s diagnosis will affect Whitney and his other former lovers, including Sam Mitchell and Nancy Carter (pictured with Kat Slater)