EastEnders Whitney star Shona McGarty shares why she made tough decision to quit

08 August 2023 , 14:16

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EastEnders actress Shona McGarty has opened up about her tough decision to leave the BBC soap, where she has played Whitney Dean for several years

EastEnders star Shona McGarty has opened up about the real reason for her exit from the BBC soap.

Last week, it was reported that Shona - who has played Whitney Dean for several years - will be departing her role in the coming months. She has now spoken out about her decision in length, revealing what's coming up for her.

She explained it wasn't an "easy" decision leaving her friends and colleagues as well as her character behind, and feels grateful she's been trusted with some of the soap's biggest stories, including the more sensitive ones too.

Speaking to Inside Soap, she said: "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!"

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Whitney is waving goodbye to Walford (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)

Shona's exit was announced last week, and she vowed she'd be keeping in touch with her co-stars.

She said: "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."

"It wasn’t an easy decision for Shona to make and she is gutted to be walking away from her soap family, especially as she has grown up on set with most of them. She’ll be sorely missed by the cast," a source added of her exit.

"But she feels like now is the right time in her life to step away and try something new. She is hoping the door will be left open for her character to return one day, but nothing is guaranteed and it is all in the hands of the scriptwriters."

Shona joined the cast of EastEnders at the age of 16 in 2008 and has led some huge storylines during her time. She is reportedly being lined up for the next series of Dancing On Ice following her exit from the BBC soap.

*EastEnders airs Mondays - Fridays at 7.30pm on BBC One

Jasmine Allday