BBC EastEnders Shona McGarty’s dramatic real life – from show suspension to co-star romances
BBC One EastEnders character Whitney Dean has been played by Shona McGarty since 2008 and has dated a couple of her co-stars over the years. She also got suspended from the show for a brief period, much to her regret
When Whitney Dean first arrived on the square as Bianca Jackson’s (Patsy Palmer) adopted daughter in 2008 viewers had no idea she’d end up being one of the soap’s best-loved characters.
When she first landed on the square, Whitney was a troubled teen who was being sexually abused by her mum’s boyfriend. Some 15 years later and after tackling gripping storylines such as sexual assault and baby loss, Whitney is all grown up and expecting a baby of her own with boyfriend Zac. But what will she get her happy-ever after returning to Walford from a trip to see Bianca in Milton Keynes?
Now, after 16 years the actress who plays her – Shona McGarty – has announced she is leaving the soap for pastures new. We take a look at her career including the time she was suspended and reveal which co-stars she’s enjoyed romances with.
Shona McGarty who plays Whitney has revealed she is leaving the show telling Inside Soap: “I have decided to spread my wings and will be leaving EastEnders. I have loved my years in the show. I have been trusted with some incredible storylines and have made amazing friendships – and family – which will endure.”
“I’ve had so much fun and done so many storylines, some of which have been sensitive, and I’ve been honoured to be trusted with such heavy stuff year after year. So I’m going to be sad to say goodbye to my friends and family, but it was the right decision for me as I want to do other things. After 15 years, I’ve had a pretty good run!”
Shona McGarty and Matt Lapinskas (
PA Wire/Press Association Images)
Shona also dated Max Bowden (
INSTAGRAN)
It’s been an interesting few years for Shona who briefly found love on set with co-star Matt Lapinskas, who played Anthony Moon, back in 2011. Matt said it was ‘love at first sight.’ but their relationship ended after 18 months. Shona also dated co-star Max Bowden, who plays Ben Mitchell, for six months before the pair called it quits last year.
Meanwhile, Shona’s time on the soap hasn’t always been smooth sailing and in 2012 she was given a month-long unpaid suspension and fined £3,000 for consistently turning up late to the set. However, she said she has learned her lesson and curbed her nights out.
Although she hasn’t disclosed what’s next, we do know that Shona has a stunning voice. In November 2022, she shared a performance of her singing Hallelujah at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance. Her co stars have been supportive of her singing and Shona was also asked to sing at J acqueline Jossa’s 30th birthday party, where she performed a rendition of Amy Winehouse’s song Valerie.
As of October 2023, Shona is reportedly dating David Bracken, who is part of Irish band Blessed. He shared a birthday tribute to his girlfriend, posting a photo of the couple kissing on Instagram and calling McGarty “The Most Amazing, Beautiful, Kind, Funniest, Kind-Hearted Person I Know”, adding, “You Are My World”.
