Discussions of sexual abuse and self-harm ahead.
Shona McGarty starred inEastEndersfor years, but in 2024, she decided that she was ready to fly off to pursue other goals. Entering its 40th year in 2025,EastEndersis one ofthe longest-running TV shows of all time. While it’s not always talked about in the same hallowed way as classic American soap operas likeGeneral HospitalandDays of Our Lives,EastEndershas given just as much to the genre as any of those shows. Set in the fictional borough of Walford in London’s East End,EastEndershas seen generations of characters come through.
As Whitney Dean, Shona McGarty first appeared onEastEndersin 2008. Shona was the ward of Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer), one of the most important characters in the series. Whitney is the oldest of Bianca’s four children and the most like her in temperament, despite Bianca’s three other children being biological. McGarty’s character was often involved in harrowing storylines, including one that was a first in UK soap opera history.McGarty announced her departure from the series after 16 years of acting on it, and she’s open to what the future brings.
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Whitney Dean Was Involved In Some Tragic Storylines
Appearing in 1547 episodes from 2008 to 2024, Whitney Dean was involved in some tragic and uniquely dark storylines in her time. Of course, Whitney had the numerous requisite relationship turmoil commonplace for the series, including having multiple weddings called off for both her infidelities and those of her partners. She’s had even more unusually devastating storylines, including one about her miscarriage, one about her abortion, another about killing a stalker, another about struggling with depression, and another about accidently running over a friend and fleeing the scene.
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The storyline Whitney will always be remembered for, however, is her first one, where it’s revealed that Whitney had been subjected to sexual abuse and groomingsince she was 12. It was one of the darkest plotlinesEastEndersever featured. The show’s creative team got in touch with the NSPCC (The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) to ensure they didn’t depict anything harmful or incorrect in the storyline (viaTheGuardian). It’s what Whitney was always associated with ever after, and it gives her character a much darker backstory than others onEastEnders.
McGarty Left EastEnders To Pursue Other Opportunities
Shona McGarty Is Currently Acting In An Irish Play, 2:22: A Ghost Story
Shona McGarty announced in 2023 she would be departing fromEastEndersafter 2024, saying (viaTheSun),
“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”
Her final episodes aired at the beginning of 2024. a source toldThe Sun,
“It wasn’t an easy decision for Shona to make and she is gutted to be walking away from her soap family, especially as she has grown up on set with most of them. She’ll be sorely missed by the cast.”
Since leaving the series, McGarty has not appeared in any TV shows or movies, but as it’s only a little over a year since her final episodes aired, she’s still taking time to figure out her next move. McGarty only occasionally posts on herInstagram, and she hasn’t shared anything indicating what’s next. According to an interview withRevampMagazine, McGarty is starring in the Irish stage play,2:22: A Ghost Story.Several actors have made the jump from soap operas, so there’s still plenty of time for McGarty to pursue movie and TV roles if she wants them.
How Whitney Was Written Off Of EastEnders
Whitney Left Walford To Take Care Of Her Children And Start Fresh
Whitney was written off the show in a kind and respectful way. On her wedding day, Whitney discovers Zack’s (James Farrar) infidelities and calls everything off. In a moment of clarity, Whitney realizes she needs to leave Walford with her daughters and have a fresh start as a single mom. The Walford residents throw a farewell party for Whitney where they have a slideshow of Whitney’s last 16 years on the series. It’s not just a goodbye to Whitney, it’s a thank you to Shona McGarty’s time onEastEndersas well.
