EastEnders’ Shona McGarty explains reason she’s leaving Whitney Dean role

Shona McGarty has opted to step away from her role in order to “spread my wings”.

Whitney Dean arrived on the BBC soap as the teenage daughter of Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) back in 2008, and has endured some of the soap’s most dramatic storylines.

Fans are devastated about the actress’ decision to leave because Whitney has been a firm favourite with viewers for years.

Explaining the reason she felt it’s time to move on, Shona told The Sun on Sunday: “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.”

Another source told the publication: “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.

“But she feels like now is the right time in her life to step away and try something new.”

They went on to add the 31-year-old is “hoping the door will be left open for her character to return one day,” however it will ultimately be up to the writers to decide how Whitney will make her exit.

It was also announced Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley) is being written out of the soap.

Shona made her EastEnders debut back in 2008 and has endured a rocky time on the Square.

The actress has been nominated for several awards including best actress, best young actor and serial drama performance for her role as tragic Whitney.

The market trader has battled sexual exploitation, baby loss and murder during her years in Walford.

Whitney’s sister Tiffany Butcher (Maisie Smith) left in 2021 but has made a couple of appearances back on the Square, so fans will likely hope Whitney can be a similar character who occasionally pops back in Walford.

EastEnders continues on Monday at 7.30pm on BBC One.