A Twist That Sent Social Media Into Meltdown

EastEnders stunned viewers this week as Vicki Fowler and Zack Hudson shared an unexpected kiss — a twist that sparked immediate outrage online. Although the characters aren’t biologically related, both share Sharon Watts as a sister, which left many fans deeply uncomfortable with the storyline.

The drama unfolded after Vicki experienced a chaotic night. She accidentally knocked Damon, Chelsea Fox’s date, to the ground, leaving him unconscious. Zack stepped in to help, calming Damon when he eventually woke up and convincing him not to report the incident.

Later, Zack comforted Vicki as she opened up about the trauma of her recent attack by Joel. The emotional moment escalated quickly, and the pair shared a passionate kiss. The timing could not have been worse, as Kathy Beale walked in just as it happened.

Fans Say the Twist “Crossed a Line”

The reaction on social media was immediate — and intense. Many viewers felt the moment was uncomfortable, unnecessary, and even disturbing, considering the characters’ sibling-like connection through Sharon.

Fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to vent their frustration:

• “I feel sick! Why is Zack targeting every vulnerable woman on the Square?” wrote @RyanSoapKing25.

• @ghanadollbabe asked, “Isn’t Zack and Vicki technically like brother and sister?”

• @allyallonsy01 declared the kiss “the final nail in the coffin,” adding they would stop watching the show for the foreseeable future.

Some fans also expressed frustration that Zack’s storylines repeatedly revolve around comforting vulnerable women, only for those moments to turn romantic.

A Complicated Web of Family Ties

Part of the shock comes from EastEnders’ long history of tangled family connections. Vicki and Sharon share the late Den Watts as a father, while Sharon and Zack share Gavin Sullivan. They are not biologically related to each other, but their shared sibling ties through Sharon make the kiss feel wrong to many long-time viewers.

To make matters messier, Sharon recently moved to America — and Vicki and Zack are determined that she never learns about the kiss.

Love Triangle Ahead?

Despite the backlash, actress Alice Haig hinted to the Radio Times that Vicki’s romantic troubles may only be beginning. She suggested a potential love triangle between Vicki, Zack, and Ross Marshall could unfold.

“Vicki insists it was a moment of madness,” she said, “but who knows? Zack and Ross are very different men. I can understand why she might be torn.”

With emotions high, viewer outrage growing, and Sharon completely unaware, the fallout from this kiss is only just beginning.