Whitney Dean, a fan favourite from the BBC soap opera EastEnders, will be leaving, but why after 15 years?
Shona McGarty made the decision to leave her position in order to “spread my wings”.
When Whitney Dean joined the BBC soap opera in 2008 as the teenage daughter of Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer), she had to deal with some of the most dramatic plotlines.
Whitney has long been a fan favourite, therefore the actress’ decision to depart has left fans inconsolable.
Shona gave The Sun an explanation of why she felt it was time to move on, saying: “I have decided to expand my wings and will be leaving EastEnders. My time on the show has been fantastic.
“I have been trusted with some incredible storylines and have made amazing friendships—and family—which will endure.”
It wasn’t an easy choice for Shona to make, and she’s devastated to be leaving her soap family—especially since she grew up on set with most of them—as another source informed the publication. The cast will sincerely miss her.
However, she believes that this is the ideal time in her life to make a change and try something new.
The writers will ultimately decide how Whitney will leave the show, but the 31-year-old is “hoping the door will be left open for her character to return one day,” they continued.
In addition, it was revealed that Karen Taylor (Lorraine Stanley) will no longer be appearing in the serial.
In 2008, Shona made her EastEnders debut. Since then, she has had trouble on the Square.
For her portrayal of tragic Whitney, the actress has been nominated for various accolades, including best actress, best young actor, and performance in a serial drama.
During her time in Walford, the market vendor has struggled with sexual exploitation, miscarriage, and murder.
Fans will probably hope Whitney can be a character who occasionally pops up in Walford like Whitney’s sister Tiffany Butcher (Maisie Smith), who fled in 2021 but has made a few visits back on the Square.
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