Zack, played by James Farrar, receives the diagnosis this month when a former acquaintance, Brett, turns up in Walford and reveals that he has been diagnosed with HIV and urges Zack to get tested.
It's incredible to work with EastEnders on this storyline – we hope it shows just how much HIV has changed since the Mark Fowler days, brings information on HIV to a younger generation and ensures up to date awareness of what a diagnosis means today.
Our chief executive Ian Green OBE said: 'During the height of the HIV epidemic in the 1990s, we worked with EastEnders on Mark Fowler’s story to ensure HIV was portrayed accurately on screen. Mark was the first mainstream British TV character to be diagnosed with HIV. His story was viewed by millions and helped change attitudes about the virus when fear and misinformation was rife.
'Over 30 years on from Mark’s storyline and sadly myths about HIV are still held by far too many people. The incredible progress we’ve made around HIV means people on effective HIV treatment can’t pass on the virus and can have a normal lifespan.
'We hope that Zack’s storyline will educate viewers on the reality of HIV and spark conversations in living rooms across the UK.'
Chris Clenshaw, Executive Producer at the BBC, said: 'EastEnders has never shied away from covering sensitive issues and Zack’s story is one of these.
'There are still so many myths and disinformation surrounding HIV, so working closely with Terrence Higgins Trust has enabled us to really understand what it is like for those that are diagnosed with HIV and we hope that this storyline will bring more awareness of HIV and what it is like to live with the virus in 2023.'
