EastEnders’ Shona McGarty teases soap return to save Bianca and Sonia from killer psycho Reiss for 40th anniversary
The actress hinted at a big move after getting engaged
EASTENDERS favourite Shona McGarty has teased a soap comeback to save Bianca Jackson and Sonia Fowler from killer psycho Reiss.
The actress, who has been a familiar face on the BBC soap since 2008 when her character arrived with step-mum Bianca, said she would return to celebrate the soap’s 40th anniversary in February.
Shona, 33, exited the soap in May 2024 as her character finally got her happy ending though, leaving Walford to start a new life with her baby Dolly and teen foster daughter Britney.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun, Shona said: “I left on the bus and not under it, so for that I’m really grateful.
“I would absolutely go back to EastEnders – it’s 16 years of creating a family, I grew up on that show.
“I’ve got a really good relationship with EastEnders, the doors open but at the moment not yet.”
Ahead of the landmark 40th anniversary next year, Shona said: “I wouldn’t say no to [going back for EastEnders’ 40th anniversary], I definitely would because I would do anything to celebrate EastEnders.
Along with thousands of BBC viewers, soap star Shona has demanded “justice” for Sonia.
She told us: “I haven’t had a lot of time, so I can’t sit down and watch it all the time, but it comes up in different social media apps and I catchup that way.
“I saw Reiss had murdered his wife with a pillow, when I left he was nice.
“It shows you how quick things can change in that show.
“It’s mad, poor Bianca, I feel as Whitney I should go and rescue her.”
Shona insisted: “Whitney would get her out.”
Whitney’s character left love interest and boyfriend Zach Hudson in Walford when she departed.
Despite not getting her happy ending with Zach, Shona said Whitney would want him to find happiness.
“As a viewer I want Zach to find happiness, I can imagine Lauren and Zach getting together. I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Shona said.
Shona, who starred in popular theatre show 2.22 Ghost Story after her soap departure, has her hands full at the moment.
She teased: “There are some plays coming up, there’s also my music, I’m working really hard on my music.
“I’m creating lots of really good album material, it’s been really fun.
“The acting is definitely going to stay there, but right now I’m working on my music and do the things I couldn’t do when I was Whitney.”
When asked if she’d ever consider joining a rival soap, Shona said: “No, my loyalty is with EastEnders always.”
But that won’t stop her from reaching for the stars in Hollywood, as she revealed her acting icon.
“Angelina Jolie is my idol, if I ever met her, I think I’d die,” she gushed.
“My dream is to do something with her or to direct out there. Dream big or don’t dream at all.”
The actress’ life has been something of a whirlwind since leaving EastEnders because, after confirming her engagement to Irish musician David Bracken.
She has now revealed that she would swap the hustle and bustle of the city for a tranquil life in Ireland.
“We’ve always got wedding plans, we know our colour schemes, but right now we’re just focusing on being really happy and engaged,” she said.
“We’re spending a lot of time in Ireland and the UK – just toying between the two.
“I would to Ireland, it’s just a different way of life. My family is Irish and it just kind of feels right.”
Big move
Walking away from the BBC soap was a “really difficult” move, though, Shona admitted.
Speaking about her exit exclusively to The Sun, she said: “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,” Shona continued, adding, “But I had to put on my big girl pants and be quite brave, because life is so short.
“You feel that more and more as you get older. There are other opportunities and areas of the industry I want to explore before I get too old!
“All things come to an end and this is the new chapter of my life. I mean, 16 years is amazing. I’ve had a really good run and Whitney needs a break. She’s had a pretty tough paper round!”
