EASTENDERS fans were left feeling particularly emotional after last night’s episode which saw Whitney Dean hallucinate about her abusive childhood.
The Albert square resident, who is currently in prison after stabbing he ex Leo, experienced horrific flashbacks whilst in her cell and on a hunger strike.
Remembering back to when she was assaulted by paedophile Tony King as a kid, Whitney (played by Shona McGarty) saw her younger self sat at the end of her prison bed.
Speaking to child Whitney, she told her: “You’re stupid. He’s a grown man, you’re a child. How can that be love? Tell me?”
However, the flashback got even worse as Whitney started hearing Tony’s voice.
“Whit, Whitney, you’re my special little girl,” he could be heard saying as panic flashed across her face.
“Don’t listen to him! Stop it!” she shouted as she continued to hallucinate.
She was then seen telling younger Whitney what to expect from her future, and not to believe anything that Tony said to her or to fall for his manipulating behaviour.
However, as Whitney stood up she fell to the floor and appeared to faint.
EastEnders fans were shocked by the dark scenes and even compared it to being like a horror movie as they took to social media.
One person tweeted: “Wow! I was just not ready for tonight’s episodes. Superb. The Whitney storyline is utterly heartbreaking and the actress is just so brilliant.”
Another person posted: “I’m shook… that episode was harrowing, heartbreaking and powerful on every level,” while a third added: “omg i’m in tears at EastEnders poor whitney (sic).”
EastEnders fans know that Whitney is facing a life behind bars for stabbing her ex Leo after he stalked her for months.
Leo was targeting her for revenge after the death of his dad Tony.
When Whitney spoke out about the abuse Tony was imprisoned and later killed himself behind bars.
The creep then resorted to stalking her and found his way into the attic above her room where he watched her every move from a peep hole.
But his plan to stab and kill her backfired during an explosive showdown when he fell on his own knife.
Gray has been suspended from work but has vowed to represent Whitney to get his job back.