We recently reported that EastEnders star Shona McGarty is all set to bod goodbye to the BBC One soap. For the longest time now, Shona was staple to Walford as Whitney Dean. However, after 15 years of ups and downs around Albert Square, Shona felt like it was time for newer things. A decision that must have weighed heavily on the talented actress, but perhaps seemed inevitable.
“I have decided to spread my wings and will be leaving EastEnders,” Shona told The Sun on July 30, 2023. Furthermore, she expressed her gratitude over the makers trusting her with some incredible storylines during her time on the soap since 2008. And although all her stories definitely were bold and intriguing, they were far from the happiness that Whitney truly deserved. Moreover, now, with her exit looming over we wonder if the storyline marking her end on the soap will be as sad one. Or will she finally get the happiness that she has forever craved.
Whitney first stepped into Walford as the stepdaughter of EastEnders icon Bianca Jackson. Unfortunately, the teen character’s journey embarked on a dark note on the soap. Soon aftre she arrived, she started getting abused by sexual predator Tony King. Shockingly, he was dating her step-mother, Bianca, at the time. However, the lady remained oblivious to her boyfriend’s despicable activities. Sadly, this was only the beginning of more darkness for Whitney. As she moved from one devastating story to another. Shona’s performance making the hard-hitting tales all the more believable.
Can Whitney’s Tale Of Destitute Be Turned Into Something Beautiful On EastEnders?
During her 15 years on EastEnders Walford, Whitney was abused, groomed, cheated, suffered a miscarriage and even was arrested for murder at one point. Tough luck is an understatement for her. After losing the love of her life, Kush, she had a short spell where the upheavals stopped. Unfortunately, it only proved to be the lull before the storm. As she was later forced to give birth to her baby she lost. Shona’s performance was so riveting, that the ache of those scenes can still be felt by their mere mention.
Coming to the present, now that we know Shona is about to bow out of EastEnders as Whitney. What will be the fate of the character? Every time a character is written out, there are usually only two options. Either they move away to a distant town, or they face death. But EastEderers fans are still mourning the heart wrenching death of Lola Pearce. And it would be way too grimm to give the same fate to Whitney. Especially after the devastating life she has had so far. At least now, in her final moment on the soap, she deserves happiness.
She has been so unlucky in love on EastEnders, and another heartbreak with Zack might be on the cards for her. So we wonder what could be the saving grace here? Could she perhaps embark on a self discovery journey and meet a lasting love on the way? Or maybe she could just embrace all that she is and give herself the love she deserves by starting a new life somewhere. What would you prefer? Tell us in the comments. Meanwhile, stay tuned to TV Season & Spoilers for more EastEnders updates.