EastEnders boss teases 'Christmas miracle' for Whitney Dean ahead of soap exit

31 October 2023 , 23:14

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EastEnders boss teases 'Christmas miracle' for Whitney Dean ahead of soap exit

EastEnders boss, Chris Clenshaw, has revealed Whitney Dean will get a "Christmas miracle" ahead of her BBC One soap exit.

It was revealed earlier this year that actress Shona McGarty, who plays Whitney, had quit after being a staple in Albert Square since 2008. And now EastEnders boss, Chris, has teased Whitney's exit storyline, revealing there is still a "lot left to come" for the Walford favourite.

Chris told Metro: "There’s a lot left to come for her. I can confirm that she will be leaving next year, into 2024. She and Zack have a big story, and they kind of get a little Christmas/New Year miracle." Whitney has been part of several explosive storylines during her time on the hit BBC one soap that have attracted strong reactions from viewers. Most recently Whitney went through a heartbreaking miscarriage with on-screen love interest Zack Hudson, played by James Farrar.

EastEnders boss, Chris Clenshaw, has revealed Whitney Dean will get a "Christmas miracle" ahead of her BBC One soap exit (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

The market trader had to make the decision to terminate her pregnancy after finding out her unborn daughter was suffering from Edwards' syndrome. Most babies with the condition will die before or shortly after they are born, according to the NHS. The distressing plot earned Shona a nomination for Best Leading Performer at the 2023 British Soap Awards.

Since the heartbreaking scenes, the pair have been adamant they want to be parents again with the duo exploring fostering.

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It comes after Shona told The Sun on Sunday earlier this year about her decision to leave the soap: "I have decided to spread my wings and will be leaving EastEnders. I have loved my years in the show. I have been trusted with some incredible storylines and have made amazing friendships — and family — which will endure."

Speaking to Inside Soap, she added: "It wasn’t an easy decision because I've made so many friends. I’ve seen people come and go, and meanwhile, Whitney has been one of the longest-standing characters.

"I've had so much fun and done so many storylines, some of which have been sensitive, and I've been honoured to be trusted with such heavy stuff year after year. So I'm going to be sad to say goodbye to my friends and family, but it was the right decision for me as I want to do other things. After 15 years, I’ve had a pretty good run!"

If you have been affected by this story, advice and support can be found at Sands. You can call them on 0808 164 3332 or email [email protected].

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

Olivia Wheeler