🔄 1. Zack finally embraces fatherhood

Zack Hudson recently discovers that Barney Mitchell is his biological son—confirmed by blood type match and Nicola’s admission reddit.com+15entertainmentdaily.com+15emmerdalesnews.com+15. Since then, Zack has been making sincere efforts to connect, offering to train him at the gym and even going for runs together digitalspy.com+2pcparasail.com+2emmerdalesnews.com+2.

The change in Zack’s attitude hasn’t gone unnoticed by viewers. On Reddit, one fan wrote:

“Zack is desperate to be part of his son’s life…He wants that kid to know.” reddit.com+1thesun.co.uk+1reddit.com+1reddit.com+1

This is a marked shift from his usual player persona—showing maturity and a readiness to step up as a father.

🔥 2. Barney begins to accept—and push back

Barney, naturally confused and resentful at first, has gradually warmed up to Zack’s presence—especially during their shared moments at the gym reddit.com+13pcparasail.com+13entertainmentdaily.com+13. However, he’s also torn between loyalty to Teddy (who raised him) and curiosity about Zack.

Fan reaction reflects this tension:

“He doesn’t want to upset Barney like this… but he has every right to tell him.” chroniclemw.uk+11reddit.com+11reddit.com+11thescottishsun.co.uk

🎯 3. A shift in tone and dynamic

Viewers have noted Zack’s storyline growth—from cheeky lothario to responsible man—with the fatherhood reveal being pivotal. Another Reddit user weighed in:

“A new side of Zack we’ve not really seen… breathing a wee bit of life back into his character.” reddit.comreddit.com

His transformation is resonating, with many praising the emotional effort and authenticity he’s bringing to the role.

⚠️ 4. Nicola’s sabotage and tension

Nicola Mitchell isn’t having it. She’s actively undermining Zack’s attempts—sending Tommy and Joel to bully Barney, attempting to push Zack out entertainmentdaily.com+14digitalspy.com+14pcparasail.com+14. This not only strains Zack’s bond with his son but raises the stakes emotionally and dramatically.

✅ The takeaway

• Zack’s emotional u-turn toward fatherhood and proactive support for Barney marks a major breakthrough for his character.

• Barney’s slow acceptance, combined with Zack’s consistent effort, is resonating deeply with fans—many admire the change.

• The storyline has shifted Zack from the sidelines to a central, more emotionally mature role in Walford.

• The pushback from Nicola only raises the drama—and stakes—for both Zack and his son.

As EastEnders moves forward, keep an eye on how Zack navigates fidelity, fatherly responsibility, and defending Barney’s right to know the truth. It’s a shift that’s more than a plot twist—it’s character evolution.