EastEnders’ Whitney Dean actress reveals June Brown’s unexpected advice
EastEnders actress Shona McGarty has shared some of the words of wisdom she was given by her late co-stars Dame Barbara Windsor and June Brown during her time on the soap.
Shona McGarty, who played Whitney Dean in EastEnders, has revealed some saucy advice she received from her co-stars on the BBC One soap.
The 33-year-old actress recently left the show after a 16-year stint and is now preparing for a new role on the West End stage.
Speaking to Ranvir Singh on ITV’s Lorraine, Shona discussed her upcoming role as pin-up model Betty Page, describing her character as an “icon” who was “cheeky and naughty” and “took risks” to express her sexuality in the 1920s.
However, the conversation soon turned to her time on EastEnders, where Shona shared a “cheeky and naughty” comment from one of her former co-stars.
She fondly remembered late actresses Dame Barbara Windsor and June Brown, recalling their words of wisdom.
“I know that Barbara Windsor would be so proud of me taking on this role, because she always said to me, because I’m short and curvy, she said that I should do burlesque so I know she’d be proud.
“But one of the things June Brown said to me years ago, and I’m never quite sure what she meant, I asked, ‘What’s your secret to getting to 93?’ and she said, ‘A handful of nuts everyday’.”
Shona joked: “I don’t know what she meant, she was being cheeky! I have a few almonds every now and then.”
She also shared a stern warning she once received from Dame Barbara: “Barbara Windsor told me off at a very young age for being late, and I was never late again.”
Shona announced her exit from EastEnders earlier this year, saying she had “decided to spread my wings”.
Talking to The Sun, she affectionately reflected on her experience: “I have loved my years in the show. I have been trusted with some incredible storylines and have made amazing friendships – and family – which will endure.”
On Instagram, she posted a heartfelt video, thanking fans: “It has been really emotional and I just want to say thank you for everyone who has ever supported Whitney ever, or even if you didn’t and gave me a hate comment. You know.”
Full of optimism, Shona said: “I’m really excited for my future and for EastEnders’ future too, it is at the heart of the nation.”
She clarified there was no bad blood with her exit plan: “I haven’t got a chip on my shoulder about it, it was my decision.”
Reflecting on her stint, she reminisced: “It has been a tough old paper round, and I have loved every minute of it.
“And who knows the door is wide open and Whitney could come back in, in her high heels, and really big earrings one day.”
Lorraine airs weekdays from 9am on ITV1.
