Popular EastEnders star speaks out on new career move after BBC soap exit
Former EastEnders star Shona McGarty has taken to social media to share a major career update, following her 16 years playing Whitney Dean on the BBC soap
Shona left EastEnders after 16 years on the square (Image: BBC/Kieron McCarron/Jack Barnes)
Former EastEnders actress Shona McGarty has taken to social media with a significant career update, expressing that she is “honoured and privileged”. Achieving fame as Whitney Dean in the BBC soap, she joined the iconic Albert Square cast back in 2008 as a teenager.
Her character Whitney saw a fair share of intense plotlines over the years, such as being groomed by Tony King (played by Chris Coghill), Bianca Jackson’s (Patsy Palmer) fiancé, and facing the difficult decision to end her pregnancy after a diagnosis of Edwards’ Syndrome.
After 16 years on EastEnders, the 33-year-old actress bid farewell to Walford in May last year.
Shona’s character discovered Zack Hudson’s (James Farrar) betrayal, which led to Whitney, along with her daughters Britney and Dolly, relocating to Wakefield to join her brother Ryan (Neil McDermott), reports the Manchester Evening News.
Whitney has been a part of some big storylines including grooming (Image: BBC)
The past week marked a new chapter for Shona with her West End debut, taking up the role of Bettie Page in the much-talked-about musical Queen of the Pin-Ups.
Over the recent weekend, Shona took the opportunity to share a video clip of her performance, showcasing her talent at stepping into the shoes of the legendary pin-up model.
On Instagram, she conveyed her feelings: “I left it all on that stage last Monday night! It was an honour and privilege to be trusted telling Bettie Page’s story, with all its complexities, in the world premiere of @bettiepagethemusical”
Shona was moved by the audience’s reaction: “I will never get over hearing the audience cheer for me like that, what an electric feeling, and I couldn’t have asked for a better reception,” she gratefully noted.
Following her much-acclaimed performance, Shona shared with her followers that she’s “dreamed of this moment” since being “a little girl”.
“For it to finally become a reality, with this company and team, was quite overwhelming and very special.
“Thank you to everyone involved for making this an unforgettable experience, on stage and off, and to our amazing audience who were with us from the word go. My heart is full,” she expressed.
During a conversation with Ranvir Singh on ITV’s Lorraine, Shona delved into how the late Dame Barbara Windsor and June Brown have been influential in her career.
Discussing her rapport with the legendary figures, she revealed: “I know that Barbara Windsor would be so proud of me taking on this role, because she always said to me, because I’m short and curvy, she said that I should do burlesque so I know she’d be proud.”
She reminisced about June Brown’s unique advice when asked about her longevity: “But one of the things June Brown said to me years ago, and I’m never quite sure what she meant, I asked, ‘What’s your secret to getting to 93?’ and she said, ‘A handful of nuts everyday’,” she recalled with a hint of amusement.
Adding a humorous note, Shona commented: “I don’t know what she meant, she was being cheeky! I have a few almonds every now and then.”