EastEnders has offered a first look at the aftermath

of Zack Hudson and Lauren Branning’s betrayal.

Zack cheated on his partner Whitney Dean with her

best friend Lauren in Thursday’s episode (April 25),

after being left devastated that he’d been lied to over Britney’s fostering situation.

Zack was horrified when he learned how Britney really came to be in Whitney’s care and the situation intensified when Whitney told him that she’d choose Britney over him if it came down to it.

Believing Lauren was the one who told Zack the truth, Whitney furiously lashed out at her as well, leaving their friendship in jeopardy.

Zack then headed to Peggy’s to drown his sorrows, where he was comforted by an equally-upset Lauren.

The spark between them became apparent as they shared their mutual problems with Whitney, who was back at home telling Britney the truth about her diagnosis.

The closing moments of the episode saw Zack and Lauren sharing a passionate kiss, and they are left facing the consequences of their actions when the show returns next week.

Monday’s episode (April 29) will see Zack and Lauren consumed with guilt over sleeping together, as they debate whether to tell Whitney what happened.