Shona McGarty apologised to fans who had booked the panto to see her perform (Picture: Instagram)
EastEnders star Shona McGarty has been forced to pull out of a Beauty and the Beast pantomime show after falling ill with the flu.
The actress, best known for playing Whitney Dean in the BBC One soap, told her Instagram followers she has come down with the ‘worst symptoms’ and has a ‘really sore throat’ meaning she is unable to perform tonight (Friday December, 15).
On her Stories, the 32-year-old wrote: ‘Guys… I’ve been feeling rough recently, as you know, and unfortunately have come down with the worst cold n fly symptoms and a really sore throat.
‘I did today’s show, and got through it, but it was tough. It’s such a horrid timing to be ill. Typical! During a panto run! Gutted.
‘I’m so so sorry to anyone who’s coming to panto to see me specifically tonight, but I’ve had to bow out of tonight’s performance and possibly tomorrow’s too.
Shona continued: ‘I’ve got antibiotics and lots of meds! Iam going to dose myself up, and get better! I am determined to get back up thee, and sing my heart out again soon!
We hope you have lots of rest and get well soon, Shona (Picture: Instagram)
‘The wonderful Laura will be playing Belle tonight xx. She’s absolutely fabulous.’
Shona’s role as Belle in Beauty and the Beast is her first since announcing her decision to leave EastEnders after 15 years.
In the panto, she stars alongside John Archer, Emma Jay Thomas, Tom Senior and Harry Reid – who you’ll recognise from EastEnders.
Harry portrayed Ben Mitchell from 2014-2018, prior to Max Bowden taking over the role.
Shona is best known for playing Whitney Dean on EastEnders (Picture: BBC)
The show will run from December 9 to December 31 at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford.
Speaking about her EastEnders exit, Shona previously told Inside Soap: ‘It wasn’t an easy decision because I’ve made so many friends.
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‘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.’
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Apologies have been issued to expectant fans.