Shona McGarty showered with gifts as she finishes filming EastEnders exit story
Shona has filmed her final scenes as Whitney Dean
EastEnders star Shona McGarty has wrapped on her final scenes as Whitney Dean, after 16 years in the BBC soap.
At the end of her last day, she was greeted by a crowd of loyal fans bearing gifts and flowers for the actress – so many they could barely fit in her car!
Following a long, and no doubt emotional day filming, Shona took the time to speak to the fans, as well as taking photos and signing autographs. She even left video messages on some of their phones.
Whitney’s exit story looks set to be dramatic, and may have something to do with her current antics on the Square.
Shona has filmed her final scenes as Whitney Dean
Recent scenes saw Whitney take a trip to Milton Keynes with partner Zack Hudson (James Farrar), in order to visit Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) following her break-up.
While staying with Bianca, Whitney got to know local girl Britney Wainwright (Lola Campbell), and grew concerned for her welfare as the week went on.
After forming a close bond with Britney, Whitney was keen to foster her, though Zack was against the idea, as he wanted to focus on their unborn baby.
This disagreement led to a huge row between them, with Zack returning to Walford without Whitney.
However, Whitney would soon return to Albert Square with Britney in tow, having paid her mum to take her off her hands.
This is something she has been keeping a secret from Zack, but it didn’t take best friend Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) long to rumble her.
Eventually, Whitney was forced to admit what she had done, and Lauren was left totally horrified.
She warned her that this could all end in disaster, with Whitney potentially ending up behind bars. Is this what will lead to her exit?
Fans have also been desperate to know whether Whitney’s exit will be the end of her relationship with Zack.
Shona and James are close friends off and on set, with James admitting to Metro.co.uk that he would need to ‘heal his heart’ after her exit.
‘With Shona, she does something that… I’m hers. It’s just such transparency as a performer – and as a person, by the way,’ he revealed at the Inside Soap Awards.
‘She’s the kindest, calmest, most lovely human being going. So, yes of course, the answer to your question, pretty heartbreaking.
‘I’ve always just jumped into a show, done a drama here, drama there, modelled, so I’d do clients for three days, maybe a month tops. When you’re in something long term like this, ongoing drama, and somebody leaves… You’ve got to kind of heal your heart afterwards.’
