EastEnders viewers were left heartbroken during Friday's episode of the soap after Whitney Dean gave birth to her baby girl having undergone a termination to bring on early labour.

In recent weeks, Whitney, played by Shona McGarty and Zack Hudson, played by James Farrar, discovered their unborn baby had been diagnosed with Edwards Syndrome, a condition that means most babies won't survive long after birth.

After learning the devastating news, the pair had to decide whether or not to continue with the pregnancy.

Whitney eventually decided to terminate her pregnancy and in Friday's episode (March 3), she went into early labour and delivered baby Peach with Zack by her side.

In scenes leading up to the birth, Whitney was supported by a nurse who assured they could do whatever they needed and could hold their baby once she was born.

But as her labour went on for a while, Whitney was struggling.

Zack gently suggested that perhaps their little Peach didn’t want to leave her mummy just yet; but it wasn’t long before the midwife returned and explained that the baby was now on the way.

Whitney soon insisted that she didn't want to hold her baby girl and would instead remember her from the scan.

Zack held a devastated Whitney as her labour continued, and she finally gave birth to their baby girl.

After later giving birth to her daughter, she was asked whether there was anything to wrap the baby in, Whit faltered, having been unsure what was allowed.

But Zack revealed a Peach-themed outfit in honour of their fond nickname for their daughter and handed it over.

Whitney had a sudden change of heart and begged the midwife to bring over her baby, and she and Zack gazed down at their daughter.

Staring down at their precious girl, Whit insisted that her name had to be Peach, just as it had always been.

She then thanked Peach for making her a mum, leaving fans in tears as they took to social media to share their heartbreak.

One concerned fan wrote: "How will Whitney come back from this."

While someone else shared: "Whitney and Zack scenes are incredibly moving with baby Peach."

Another viewer added: "Those scenes between Whitney and Zack broke me tonight. Shona McGarty and James Farrar have handled this storyline so brilliantly and sensitively. Beautiful performances. Utterly heartbreaking to watch."

"Once again sobbing over #EastEnders and Whitney and Zack," shared a fourth person.

While someone else said: "Whitney and Zack’s scenes were hard to watch tonight. Absolutely heartbreaking. Brilliantly acted. #EastEnders."

EastEnders continues weeknights at 7:30pm on BBC One.

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