Unexpected breakthrough for Barney and Zack in EastEnders as one character changes their tune

Zack Hudson (James Farrar) might finally be able to form a bond with his son Barney Mitchell (Lewis Bridgeman) in EastEnders.

Last month, Teddy Mitchell (Roland Manookian) discovered that his wife Nicola (Laura Doddington) had an affair with Zack 16 years ago, and she fell pregnant.

Their eldest son Harry (Elijah Holloway) was left reeling from the news, and decided to kidnap Zack – bundling him into the boot of a car and driving off into the woods.

Although Teddy was furious, he didn’t want anything bad to happen and charged after them both.

In a dramatic turn of events, a dazed and confused Zack distracted Teddy behind the wheel and the car went plunging into some icy waters.

It really didn’t seem like anyone would make it out alive.

Teddy stumbled onto the riverbank, while Zack was presumed dead. Luckily, he survived, but was in for a further amount of heartbreak when Barney decided that he didn’t want a relationship with him.

Nicola has since tried to gloss over the situation – this week hosting a Half-Christmas celebration to try and distract her stressed and broken teenage son.

Harry was less than enthusiastic about the festivities, and decided to invite Zack along, telling him that Barney was hopeful of his attendance.

Blissfully unaware that this was just a giant fib, Zack wandered in to No. 1 in tonight’s episode with a gift for his son.

Nicola ordered him out, but Teddy remained silent. Mortified by the reception, Zack left, but told Barney that he would forever be there should he need him.

Later, an emotional Barns’ headed to the cafe, where Teddy sat down for a heart to heart.

He assured him that although they weren’t biologically related, nothing had changed and he still considered him as his child.

In a surprising move, Teddy gave his blessing for Barney to get to know Zack better. Barney asserted that he already had a dad and had no intentions of changing that.

Opening his present, it contained a number of vouchers for a local book shop.

He was warmed by the gesture, and when Zack arrived, asked if they’d like to get to know one another better as friends. It wasn’t exactly how Zack had wanted things to go, but it was a step in the right direction.

Is this the start of some happiness for the two?