Whitney Dean Makes Shocking Return to EastEnders!

has aired a surprise return for fan favourite Whitney Dean, with  reprising her role after two years away.

The character debuted on the  soap in 2008, before departing in 2024 after calling off her wedding to Zack Hudson (James Farrar).

Whitney left Walford with baby daughter Dolly and adopted daughter Britney (Lola Campbell) after Zack's fling with Lauren Branning (). 

And Monday's episode - which is already on iPlayer - featured an unannounced appearance from Whitney.

The installment saw Zack get a surprise phone call before heading off to a mystery meeting.

Soon after, he was sat in Knight Fusion - joined by none other than former fiancée Whitney.

Despite their acrimonious ending, the pair appeared to be on good terms with Whitney showing Zack some photos of the girls.

Ever the cheeky chappy, Zack suggested getting back together - meaning Whitney would not have to raise the children alone.

However, Whitney revealed she is now seeing someone else, leaving Zack gutted in the process.

Viewers first learned of Shona's EastEnders departure in July 2023, as she told The Sun on Sunday at the time: 'I have decided to spread my wings and will be leaving EastEnders. I have loved my years in the show.'

A source told the publication that the decision 'wasn't an easy decision' but that Shona felt it was the right time to 'try something new.'

They added: 'She is hoping the door will be left open for her character to return one day, but nothing is guaranteed and it is all in the hands of the scriptwriters.'

The actress subsequently appeared in last year's series of hit ITV show I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

Shona finished in third place behind social media star Angryginge and Celebs Go Dating's Tom Read Wilson.

Other campmates included Lisa Riley, Aitch, Jack Osbourne, Ruby Wax, Kelly Brook and Martin Kemp to name just a few.

During her time in the jungle, (real name Harrison Armstrong). 

Shona addressed the rumours after joining , Will Best and James Barr on the Hits Radio Breakfast Show on Tuesday, where she reflected on her time in the jungle and set the record straight on any blossoming romance.

She shared: 'I came out, and apparently me and Aitch were in a relationship...

'He's great, still my little brother! He's so fun to be around, he's just hyper, and he matched my level of hyper. 

'He hasn't been round for karaoke yet, but it's on the cards.'

Elsewhere, Shona also opened up about .

She told the Daily Mail: 'Before I came in here, I couldn't even sit on the toilet without scrolling on TikTok. You know?

'I don't remember the last time I had a real deep conversation with my mom and dad. Because you're just constantly replying to emails or scrolling or WhatsApp.'

Before entering the jungle, Shona said that poor mental health had been having a significant impact on her life, but she had reached a place where she no longer wanted 'to let the anxiety win.'