EastEnders Spoilers_ Shona McGarty's Exciting New Chapter_ A Walford Star Reunio

Transcript

00:00 Shona McGarty lands first role after EastEnders exit, with another Walford star.

00:05 EastEnders star Shona McGarty is swapping Walford for the theatre in her new role and

00:10 she'll be joined by another famous face from the soap.

00:13 Shona will soon leave EastEnders after playing Whitney Dean for 15 years.

00:18 "It wasn't an easy decision because I've made so many friends," Shona told Inside

00:23 Soap, discussing her departure.

00:25 "I've seen people come and go, and meanwhile, Whitney has been one of the longest-standing

00:30 characters.

00:31 "I've had so much fun and done so many storylines, some of which have been sensitive,

00:36 and I've been honoured to be trusted with such heavy stuff year after year.

00:40 "So I'm going to be sad to say goodbye to my friends and family, but it was the

00:44 right decision for me as I want to do other things.

00:48 After 15 years, I've had a pretty good run."

00:51 Shona's next acting job was always going to be a huge contrast after playing Whitney

00:55 for such a long time.

00:56 It's now been confirmed the actress will play Belle in a pantomime production of Beauty

01:01 and the Beast.

01:03 Shona will feature alongside John Archer, Emma J. Thomas, Tom Sr. and Harry Reid, who

01:08 you'll recognise from EastEnders.

01:11 Harry portrayed Ben Mitchell from 2014 to 2018, prior to Max Bowden taking over the

01:16 role.

01:18 The show WLL run from December 9 to December 31 at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford.

01:23 Elsewhere, Whitney Dean and partner Zach Hudson are currently on a journey to become foster

01:28 parents after the death of their baby Peach.

01:32 During a meeting with a social worker, Whitney opened up about being abused by Bianca Jackson's

01:37 partner Tony.

01:39 At the end of their chat, the social worker told Whitney that the ordeal will help her

01:43 with looking after the children who come through the door, many of which will have difficult

01:47 paths like her.