The drama in Walford escalates as Zack develops a dangerous plan to flee, taking his teenage son, Barney Mitchell, with him. This drastic course of action is fueled by a complex web of family secrets, violent threats, and a desperate desire to protect his child.

The seeds of this conflict were sown earlier in the year when Zack discovered that a past relationship with Nicola had resulted in the birth of Barney. Still grieving the loss of his baby daughter, Peach, with his ex-partner Whitney Dean, Zack was driven by an intense need to connect with the son he never knew he had.

However, Nicola was determined to keep the truth about Barney’s parentage hidden, not only from Barney himself but also from his father, Teddy. She went to extreme lengths to ensure Zack’s silence. When initial attempts to dissuade Zack through intimidation and violence failed, Nicola resorted to even more sinister tactics.

Nicola chillingly revealed her involvement in the death of Shireen Bashar and threatened to inflict the same fate on Zack, Whitney, and Dolly if Zack persisted in his pursuit of Barney. This threat, delivered with cold-blooded certainty, forced Whitney into hiding, fearing for her and her daughters’ safety.

Faced with this deadly threat and desperate to protect his family, Zack begins to formulate a plan to leave Walford. Crucially, he resolves not to leave Barney behind, believing his son is in grave danger.

Zack receives reassurance from Whitney, who informs him that she has found a safe place for herself and the girls, away from Nicola’s reach. This news prompts Vicky Fowler to suggest that Zack visit them, hoping that some distance from the Mitchells will help.

However, a chance encounter with Barney changes everything. Zack learns that Barney is struggling with feelings of isolation and detachment from his family. This revelation solidifies Zack’s resolve. He informs Vicky that he intends to visit Whitney and the girls, but with a significant addition to the plan: he will be taking Barney with him.

Driven by a sense of urgency and a father’s protective instinct, Zack begins to gather evidence, seeking to prove that Barney is not safe in Nicola and Teddy’s care. He believes that only by removing Barney from their environment can he ensure his son’s safety.

Zack’s plan to effectively abduct Barney from the Mitchells deeply worries Vicky. She fears the potentially violent and far-reaching consequences of his actions. The Mitchells are a powerful and dangerous family, and crossing them in such a manner could have deadly repercussions for Zack.

The central question becomes: Can Vicky persuade Zack to abandon his perilous scheme before he places himself in direct conflict with the full force of the Mitchells’ wrath? The stage is set for a high-stakes confrontation, with the lives and safety of Zack and Barney hanging in the balance.