Share Shocking: EastEnders icon ‘feels like she’s leaving home’ as she opens up on quitting soap
EastEnders star Shona McGarty has opened up about her decision to leave the BBC soap after 16 years, saying that she had to be “brave” and put on her “big girl pants”
EastEnders’ beloved Shona McGarty has opened up about the real reason behind her decision to leave the BBC soap in a ‘brave’ admission.
The actress, who has portrayed Whitney Dean for 16 years, admitted that she decided to quit the show because “life is too short.” The 32-year-old star became a fan favourite due to her compelling storylines on EastEnders.
Shona confirmed her departure from the iconic show last July, having joined in 2008, but confessed it was not an easy decision. She further explained: “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.”
Shona expressed her desire to explore other opportunities in the industry before reaching an age where she might be overlooked. Speaking to the Sun, she added that once “I’d made [the decision to leave], 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.”
The BBC actress filmed her final scene this month and has spoken out about how overwhelmed she was by the warm send-off from numerous fans waiting outside Elstree Studios with bouquets of flowers and farewell cards. Remembering the bittersweet moment, she said: “I’m not gonna lie, I feel like it’s a kind of grief and I didn’t think I’d be so emotional.
“But seeing all the fans who had these messages and cards was just beautiful and, although I tried to keep it together, I actually fell to pieces.”
Shona’s soap character Whitney faced a string of dark storylines since first appearing in Albert Square in 2008, beginning with a chilling child-grooming plotline. Whitney entered Walford alongside on-screen characters Bianca Jackson, portrayed by Patsy Palmer, and her supposed boyfriend Tony.
In a shocking revelation for viewers, it surfaced that Tony was a predator who had been exploiting young Whitney. As the alarming narrative played out on screen, audiences watched a confused, heartbroken Whitney coming to grips with the fact that Tony’s intentions were far more sinister than love.
Shona’s plans post-EastEnders remain under wraps, but she did hint at a new secret project starting just a week after her departure from the BBC soap. Her social media posts suggest a potential move towards music.
She showcased her vocal talents on Children In Need in 2012 with a rendition of Sam Cooke’s ‘A Change Is Gonna Come’, and released a charity single for Great Ormond Street Hospital in 2018. Most recently, in 2022, Shona performed at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall for BBC1.
