EastEnders star Shona McGarty lands huge role after quitting BBC soap
Shona McGarty, who's been a familiar face on BBC's EastEnders as Whitney Dean since 2008, is all set for a thrilling new gig after her soap departure. The star has wrapped up filming her final scenes and is now ready to take on a fresh challenge.
The actress is joining the cast of '2:22 A Ghost Story' in Dublin, where she'll share the stage with Once Upon a Time star Colin O'Donoghue, Laura Whitmore, and The Wanted's Jay McGuiness. The limited run will be at the 3Olympia Theatre until August 11th.
While fans are still in the dark about how Whitney's storyline will wrap up on the Square, tension is brewing with Zack over the arrival of Britney amidst their own baby news, not to mention his growing bond with Lauren.
Shona hasn't shied away from expressing her feelings about leaving EastEnders, acknowledging it was a "really difficult decision" to make.
She reflected on her time on the show, saying, "It was a really difficult decision, because it's all I've ever known. I pretty much grew up on the Square, so I feel like I'm leaving home. But I had to put on my big girl pants and be quite brave, because life is so short, and you feel that more and more as you get older. There are other opportunities and areas of the industry I want to explore before I get too old! All things come to an end and this is the new chapter of my life."
"So although it was a big decision, once I'd made it, I was quite resolute that this was something I had to do. I mean, 16 years is amazing. I've had a really good run and Whitney needs a break.", reports the Mirror.
Speaking about her latest storyline, Shona shared online: "What @bbceastenders always do so well, is rewrite, and relive history, and beautiful memories through story. They spark old memories in the viewers."
"Reminders of how much time has passed, and remind the audience of what a journey a long running character like Whitney has been on. They've captured a young 'Whitney Dean' in 'Britney'... Just a pleasure creating and moulding these moments from paper to screen, and there's SO much more to come! Thank you Lola, (Britney) thank you Eastenders, and thank you to the extremely talented writers! ".
