Has EastEnders’ Whitney Dean left the BBC soap, and when are actress Shona McGarty’s final scenes?
EastEnders aired an exit twist for Shona McGarty's character Whitney Dean on the BBC soap this week, but has she gone for good and when are her final scenes on the show?
EastEnders viewers saw Whitney Dean make a sudden exit this week, after some sad news.
The character, played by actress Shona McGarty, found out her stepmother Bianca Jackson had been dumped by her partner Terry, after almost a decade together. Pregnant Whitney told partner Zack Hudson that she needed to go to Milton Keynes for a while to support Bianca, leaving him worried.
But given we know that Whitney will soon leave the show, with actress Shona quitting the role after more than 15 years on the soap, will Whitney actually return? Here’s all we know about Whitney’s exit storyline and when she might depart Walford for good.
EastEnders aired an exit twist for Shona McGarty’s character Whitney Dean on the BBC soap this week (
BBC)
How long has Whitney been on the show, and when is she leaving?
Whitney Dean debuted on the show back in 2008 as part of the Jackson family, arriving with her stepmother Bianca. Whitney has been on the show ever since and has been at the centre of some huge storylines, including sexual abuse, killing someone in self-defence and a tragic recent storyline that saw her baby daughter Peach die after being diagnosed with Edwards’ syndrome during the pregnancy.
It’s not yet known for sure when her final scenes will air, but recent pictures from filming suggest she is still on the soap for the time being, while Whitney is away at the moment. It’s thought her exit might be filmed in the coming weeks but this is not confirmed.
It seems her exit is linked to the return of Bianca, with actress Patsy Palmer reprising her role but details are yet to be confirmed. Actress Patsy said of her comeback: “I’m so excited to be reprising the role of Bianca. EastEnders holds such a special place in my heart so it’s always a pleasure to be back.”
Why has Shona McGarty quit the show?
Shona confirmed her exit last year, revealing it was time to move on to new challenges after so long in Walford. Speaking to Inside Soap, she said: “It wasn’t an easy decision because I’ve made so many friends. 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. 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!”
She also said: “I have decided to spread my wings and will be leaving EastEnders. 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.”
