EastEnders star Shona McGarty is swapping Walford for the theatre in her new role – and she’ll be joined by another famous face from the soap.
Shona will soon leave EastEnders after playing Whitney Dean for 15 years.
‘It wasn’t an easy decision because I’ve made so many friends,’ Shona told Inside Soap, discussing her departure. ‘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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‘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!’.
Shona’s next acting job was always going to be a huge contrast after playing Whitney for such a long time.
Whitney and Zack are on a journey to become foster parents (Picture: BBC)
It’s now been confirmed the actress will play Belle in a pantomime production of Beauty and the Beast.
Shona will feature alongside John Archer, Emma Jay Thomas, Tom Senior and Harry Reid – who you’ll recognise from EastEnders.
Harry played Ben Mitchell before Max Bowden took over the role (Picture: BBC)
Harry portrayed Ben Mitchell from 2014-2018, prior to Max Bowden taking over the role.
The show wll run from December 9 to December 31 at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford.
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Elsewhere, Whitney Dean and partner Zack Hudson (James Farrar) are currently on a journey to become foster parents after the death of their baby Peach.
During a meeting with a social worker, Whitney opened up about being abused by Bianca Jackson’s partner Tony.
At the end of their chat, the social worker told Whitney that the ordeal will help her with looking after the children who come through their door, many of which will have difficult pasts like her.
MORE : EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick confirms if he is leaving after exit announcement
MORE : EastEnders boss reveals a Christmas miracle for Whitney Dean ahead of Shona McGarty’s exit
A huge change!
