EastEnders star Shona McGarty has completed filming her final scenes as Whitney Dean, after 16 years in the BBC soap.
At the end of her last day, she was welcomed by a group of dedicated fans bringing gifts and flowers for the actress – so many they could barely fit in her car!
After a long and likely emotional day of filming, Shona took the time to talk 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 seems likely to be dramatic, and may be related to her recent behavior on the Square.
In recent scenes, Whitney went to Milton Keynes with partner Zack Hudson (James Farrar), in order to to visit Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) after their breakup.
While staying with Bianca, Whitney got to know local girl Britney Wainwright (Lola Campbell), and became worried about her well-being as the week went on.
After forming a close bond with Britney, Whitney wanted to foster her, but Zack opposed the idea, wanting to focus on their unborn baby.
This led to a major argument between them, with Zack returning to Walford without Whitney..
However, Whitney soon returned to Albert Square with Britney in tow, having paid her mom to take care of her..
This is something she has been keeping from Zack, but it didn’t take best friend Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) long to figure it out..
Ultimately, Whitney had to admit what she had done, leaving Lauren completely horrified.
She warned her that this could all end in disaster, with Whitney potentially ending up in jail. Is this what will lead to her exit?
Fans are also eager to know whether Whitney’s exit will mean the end of her relationship with Zack.
Shona and James are close friends both on and off set, with James admitting to Metro.co.uk that he would need to ‘heal his heart’ after her exit.
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‘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, modeled, 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.’
