EastEnders _ Shona McGarty's Shock Departure _ Whitney Bids Farewell to Walford

Transcript

00:00 EastEnders icon Shona McGarty quits soap after 15 years, Whitney bids farewell to Walford.

00:08 Following a report from The Sun, a BBC spokesperson has now confirmed to Digital Spy that actress

00:14 Shona McGarty has quit the role of Whitney after 15 eventful years on screen, while Lorraine

00:20 Stanley's character Karen is being written out of the soap as bosses look to freshen

00:24 up the cast.

00:26 "I have decided to spread my wings and will be leaving EastEnders," McGarty told The

00:31 Sun on Sunday.

00:32 "I have loved my years in the show, I have been trusted with some incredible storylines

00:38 and have made amazing friendships and family, which will endure."

00:43 Her parting scenes will be broadcast in early 2024, with producers still deciding on a suitable

00:49 exit storyline.

00:51 Stanley is set to bow out at the end of this year.

00:55 The most recent storyline McGarty was involved in saw Whitney and Zack suffer the tragic

01:00 loss of their daughter Peach, after doctors discovered she might not survive birth due

01:05 to Edwards syndrome.

01:06 Stanley, meanwhile, joined the cast in 2017.

01:11 Her storylines have seen her grieved daughter Chantel, who was a victim of domestic violence,

01:17 and, more recently, clash with son Keanu's partner Sharon.

01:22 Over the last 15 years, Whitney has had some major storylines and been at the heart of

01:27 the drama on the square.

01:29 She joined the show in 2008 as the adoptive daughter of Bianca Jackson, played by Patsy

01:35 Palmer.

01:37 Whitney was sexually abused at the age of 12 by Bianca's fiancé, and proceeded to

01:42 kill her own stalker, get married once, and engaged three times.

01:47 In 2016, one of her major stories came as she suffered a miscarriage and her unborn

01:53 baby was diagnosed with the life-limiting condition, Edwards syndrome.

01:58 As we say goodbye to Whitney Dean and Shona McGarty, we can't help but reflect on the

02:03 incredible impact they've had on our lives over the past 15 years.

02:08 They've given us laughter, tears, and a whole lot of drama.

02:12 Join us in wishing Shona McGarty the best of luck in her future endeavors.

02:18 And to all our viewers, thank you for watching and supporting our channel.

02:22 Don't forget to subscribe for more updates and news from the world

02:46 of EastEnders.