She isn’t ready (Picture: BBC)

Whitney Dean’s (Shona McGarty) hopes of getting to know young Ashton in EastEnders is cut short when the new year begins, as she receives some upsetting news.

After being accepted as foster parents, Whitney and Zack (James Farrar) will soon welcome a little boy called Ashton to their home.

With the young lad struggling to settle in, Whitney is woken by Ashton’s cries after he’s triggered by noises outside.

She goes to console him and then realises there’s tension between her and Zack, who is finding it hard to connect with Ashton.

On New Year’s Day, Zack and Whitney are devastated as they break the news to Ashton that he’s going to move to a new foster home.

While Whit struggles, Zack decides to drown his sorrows at Peggy’s with Martin (James Bye).

Whit finds a friend in Yolande (Picture: BBC)

After Ashton’s departure, Whitney shows Sonia (Natalie Cassidy) a picture of him with his new foster family.

Trying to come to terms with his premature departure, Whitney then heads to Peach’s tree at the allotment.

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She is interrupted by the arrival of Yolande (Angela Wynter), who shares her own experiences on fostering.

But will this chat help Whitney?

Later in the week, she is seen making a decision – but how will it impact Zack?

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She is gutted.