Is Whitney Dean’s Leaving EastEnders? Why is Whitney Dean’s Leaving EastEnders?
by Preethi S
Updated Mar 04, 2024
Is Whitney Dean’s Leaving EastEnders?
Yes, Whitney Dean, played by Shona McGarty, is indeed leaving EastEnders soon, and her exit promises to be filled with drama. In the upcoming storyline, viewers will witness Whitney and her partner Zack Hudson, played by James Farrar, taking a trip to Milton Keynes to visit Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) after her recent breakup.
However, the visit takes an unexpected and shocking turn when Whitney is run over by a speeding car, adding a layer of suspense and surprise to the plot.
The incident occurs following a series of dramatic events as they arrive in Milton Keynes. Upon their arrival, Whitney and Zack face discontent from two local children named Taylor and Britney, adding additional tension to the storyline.
With these intense developments, Whitney's departure from EastEnders seems to be marked by a combination of emotional and thrilling moments. Fans will likely be on the edge of their seats as they follow Whitney's final moments on the show.
Whitney Dean in EastEnders
Whitney Dean, portrayed by Shona McGarty in EastEnders, is a fictional character introduced in 2008 as the ward of Bianca Jackson. She's portrayed as a resilient character, the oldest of Bianca's four children, embodying both equality and a younger version of her guardian.
Whitney faced challenges, including a suspension in 2012 and brief breaks in 2017. Shona McGarty marked her 1,000th episode in 2018.
Throughout Whitney's storyline, family struggles are central. This includes a one-night stand while engaged, a failed marriage due to Lee Carter's depression, and a traumatic miscarriage caused by Lee's infidelity.
Complicated relationships unfold, from a romantic crush on Lee's father to a disastrous wedding with Callum Highway. Notably, Whitney's encounter with Tony's son, Leo King, turns dark, resulting in her self-defense killing.
Controversially, Whitney's relationship with Tony prompted over 200 complaints and was criticized as one of EastEnders' darkest storylines. Nevertheless, the NSPCC praised it for raising awareness of abuse.
This plot earned the show a Royal Television Society Programme Award in 2009 for Soap and Continuing Drama. As of 2023, after 15 years, Shona McGarty resigned, and Whitney is set to leave the soap in early 2024.
Who Played Whitney Dean in EastEnders?
Shona Bernadette McGarty, born on October 14, 1991, is an English actress and singer recognized for playing Whitney Dean in the BBC soap opera EastEnders from 2008 to 2024. Born in Barnet, London, to parents Patrick McGarty and Jennifer McNamara, Shona has a younger sister named Camilla, and she is of Irish descent.
She attended St. Teresa's Catholic Primary School and later studied at Loreto College, St Albans. Before EastEnders, McGarty engaged in amateur musical theatre for six years, including a role in The Wizard of Oz, and appeared in the short film "What Goes Around" in 2007.
Her EastEnders journey began in January 2008, portraying Whitney, the daughter of Bianca Jackson's deceased partner. However, in July 2012, McGarty faced a temporary suspension from the show due to lateness, which she later regretted.
Throughout her EastEnders tenure, Shona McGarty played pivotal roles in various storylines, from marriage and miscarriage to being stalked and even facing a challenging pregnancy plot.
Outside acting, she participated in charity work, recording songs like "Rock With Rudolph" and a cover of the Beatles' "Let It Be" for Great Ormond Street Hospital and British charity Mind.
In July 2023, after fifteen years, McGarty announced her departure from EastEnders to "spread [her] wings," expressing love for her time on the show. Her final scenes are anticipated to air in 2024, concluding her contract.
Why is Whitney Dean’s Leaving EastEnders?
Whitney Dean, played by Shona McGarty, is leaving EastEnders after over a decade on the show. Her character has faced heartbreak, including the death of her daughter Peach.
Recently, Whitney discovered she's pregnant with her partner Zack Hudson, just as they planned to become foster parents. The couple took a break from Walford to help Whitney's adoptive mother Bianca in Milton Keynes.
During their stay, Whitney reveals her pregnancy to Bianca but keeps it a secret from her sister Sonia. Whitney forms a bond with local children Britney and Taylor, discovering their struggles, including Britney's mother Keeley's drug addiction.
As Whitney tries to help, a series of events unfold, leading to a shocking accident where Whitney saves Britney from being hit by a car. Shona McGarty made the decision to leave the show, prompting fans to express their hopes for a happy ending with Zack.
Whitney's character has endured challenging storylines, such as being exploited by Bianca's ex-partner Tony King during her teenage years. With Whitney's exit looming, the storyline keeps viewers on the edge, wondering if it will conclude with her tragic demise.
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EastEnders
EastEnders, a British television soap opera, has been captivating audiences on BBC One since its debut in February 1985. Set in the fictional borough of Walford in London's East End, the show chronicles the lives of local residents and their families as they navigate the complexities of daily life.
Notably, within eight months of its launch, EastEnders secured the top spot in BARB's television ratings, maintaining its status as one of Britain's consistently top-rated series.
The soap opera, co-created by Julia Smith and Tony Holland, delves into controversial and taboo subjects, shaping its identity in British television drama. Its portrayal of social life has been groundbreaking, bringing previously unseen narratives to mainstream UK television.
A key theme in EastEnders is the emphasis on strong families, with central families like the Beales, Brannings, Mitchells, Slaters, and Watts driving notable and dramatic storylines. Filmed at the BBC Elstree Centre, the outdoor set faced reconstruction in 2022 to enhance its visual appeal.
While praised for addressing real-life issues and raising awareness, EastEnders has faced criticism for certain storylines, including the contentious 2010 baby swap plot. Despite controversies, the show's cast and crew have garnered awards and nominations, reflecting its impact on television storytelling
Is Whitney Dean’s Leaving EastEnders - FAQs
Yes, Shona McGarty, who plays Whitney Dean, is leaving EastEnders after 15 years.
Whitney's exit involves a dramatic incident where she is run over by a speeding car during a visit to Milton Keynes.
Shona McGarty decided to leave the show after over a decade, prompting Whitney's departure.
Whitney endured storylines involving sexual exploitation, marriage, miscarriage, stalking, and a complicated pregnancy.
Shona Bernadette McGarty, born on October 14, 1991, is the English actress and singer who portrays Whitney Dean in EastEnders from 2008 to 2024.