EastEnders’ Shona McGarty breaks down in tears during emotional message to fans as Whitney leaves BBC soap
EastEnders actress Shona McGarty is preparing to leave the BBC soap that she’s starred in for 16 years. Shona plays Whitney Dean and will very soon be bowing out after her disastrous wedding.
Whitney was all set to marry her boyfriend, and father of her newborn baby, Zack Hudson (James Farrar) when Britney revealed he’d cheated on her with best mate Lauren Branning (Jacquline Jossa).
After confronting her cheating fiancé and realising what Britney said was true, Whitney declared she and Zack are over - and she’s leaving Walford for good.
With her exit from the soap imminent, Shona took to Instagram on the evening of Wednesday 22 May and broke down in tears, before apologising to fans.
Whitney said: "Sorry about that, got a bit emotional which is understandable I've been there 16 years.
"It has been really emotional and I just want to say thank you for everyone who has ever supported Whitney ever, or even if you didn't and gave me a hate comment. You know.
"I'm really excited for my future and for EastEnders ' future too, it is at the heart of the nation.
"I haven't got a chip on my shoulder about it, it was my decision. It has been a tough old paper round, and I have loved every minute of it.
"And who knows the door is wide open and Whitney could come back in, in her high heels, and really big earrings one day."
Upon leaving the soap, Shona has already bagged herself a new job in the play 2:22 A Ghost Story.
Shona will take over the role from Cheryl - who is currently on tour with Girls Aloud. She’s set to play Kennny alongside Colin O'Donoghue, Laura Whitmore and Strictly's Jay McGuinness.
The four actors will be performing in Dublin with their run beginning in June.
Shona announced the news on her social media and wrote: Sharing a video of herself announcing the new role, Shona captioned the post: “I’m thrilled to announce I’ll be playing “Jenny” in @dannyrobinswithoneb @222aghoststory in Dublin! So excited!!!!! Get your tickets now!”
Shona’s fans were thrilled that she’d already got herself a new acting gig and commented with: “That’s fantastic!!! I’ve seen the play twice with two of your former cast mates – Jake Wood and Ricky Champ and loved it! You will shine I am sure!!! Wish I could go to Dublin to see it!”
Another person shared: “This is such brilliant news! Bravo! Xxx”
A third follower added: “Very exciting!! I’ve seen this play and it’s amazing. You’re going to be brilliant.”
