Shona McGarty returns as Whitney in EastEnders one year after leaving the long-running television drama.
Shona McGarty, who had been on EastEnders for 16 years, left fans shocked last year when she announced her departure. Shona has now returned to stage as her iconic charcter, Whitney Dean.
Shona McGarty has returned as EastEnders’ Whitney Dean, one year after her soap exit in an unexpected cameo
Shona McGarty has returned as EastEnders’ Whitney Dean, one year after her soap exit in an unexpected cameo. Earlier today, the actress was tagged in an Instagram post featuring her cameo at the East Benders Cabaret. The theatrical performance, inspired by the dramatic storylines in The Cobbles took place at at the Clapham Grand, in London, last night.
Shona, who left EastEnders last spring, transformed her whole appearance as she took to stage to re-enact Whitney. Fans were glad to see Whitney back as Shona donned the character’s signature layered outfits and classic pulled-back hair. The ‘East Benders’ Instagram page captioned the post: “We got some photos back – so let’s give it up for the INCREDIBLE cast of last week’s biggest and best Benders we’ve ever done. People died x Give them all love & affection, call them slags, book them xxx”
Shona McGarty has returned as EastEnders’ Whitney Dean, one year after her soap exit in an unexpected cameo(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)
The cameo was teased three weeks ago in another post that read: “FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY… @shonabmx. Gracing @theclaphamgrand stage 27th March will be the absolutely iconic Shona McGarty, who has played the equally iconic Whitney Dean since 2008 and has the voice of an ACTUAL angel!!!
“So so honoured to have her joining us on stage… but what will she be doing??? Get your tickets now to find out more… and remember we’re raising funds for @elop_lgbt at this show so dig deep and buy raffle tickets on the night! got so many FAB Enders prizes lined up for ya…”
Shona’s exit from Walford came as a shock as she’d been on the soap for 16 years. During her last episode, fans saw Whitney decide to leave the Square for a new life in Wakefield, where she’ll be catching up with brother Ryan Malloy (Neil McDermott).
Shona, who had been on EastEnders for 16 years, left fans shocked last year when she announced her departure(Image: REX/BBC)
Away from the screens, Shona opened up about her desire to try to new things. Shona was just 16-years-old when she joined the BBC soap. Last year, she told The Sun, that she wanted to try out new opportunities before she felt ‘too old’. Explaining that turning 30 had changed her perspective on things, Shona shared: “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.
“But I had to put on my big girl pants and be quite brave, because life is so short, and you feel that more and more as you get older.”
She continued: “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.
“So although it was a big decision, once I’d made it, I was quite resolute that this was something I had to do. 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.”
