Is Whitney Dean leaving EastEnders?
Plus all the heartbreak she's faced during her time in Albert Square
WHITNEY Dean has been a staple of EastEnders ever since she arrived in Albert Square as a teenager in the late noughties.
But fans fear that the character – played by Shona McGarty – could be leaving Walford for good.
Is Whitney Dean leaving EastEnders?
WARNING: Contains some EastEnders spoilers
In July 2023, it was revealed that actress Shona McGarty was leaving EastEnders, meaning her character Whitney Dean will be waving goodbye to Walford.
Since the announcement she was quitting Albert Square, fans have feared the much-loved character will be killed off.
In the run up to her departure, Whitney is involved a horror car accident.
In the episode shown on Monday, March 4, 2024, Whitney is seen being hit by a car while visiting her mum Bianca in Milton Keynes.
The mum-to-be courageously steps up and pushes neglected youngster Britney, who Bianca has been feeding, out of the way of the speeding vehicle.
Whitney is around 28 weeks pregnant at the time of the incident.
However, spoilers appear to confirm that she won’t die after being run over.
This is because she will later be seen conscious in hospital, as she waits for an ultrasound to confirm her baby is doing OK.
Fans will have to wait to see how Whitney leaves Albert Square, and if it’s for good.
How long has Whitney Dean been on EastEnders?
Shona’s EastEnders character Whitney has had a roller coaster life since arriving in Albert Square in 2008 as the adoptive daughter of Bianca Jackson, played by Patsy Palmer.
The character was sexually abused at 12 by Bianca’s fiancé, suffered sexual exploitation, killed her stalker, been married once and engaged three times.
I have decided to spread my wings and will be leaving EastEnders. I have loved my years in the show.
In 2016, Whitney suffered a miscarriage and, in 2023 she had a termination after her unborn baby was diagnosed with life-limiting condition Edwards syndrome.
Speaking in 2023, Shona said: “I’ve been lucky to be trusted with such big stories. I don’t want it to stop.
“I want heartbreak and tragedy all the time if I could.”
What has Shona McGarty said about leaving EastEnders?
After more than a decade playing Whitney, Shona McGarty made the decision to leave EastEnders.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun on Sunday, she said: “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.”
A source said at the time: “It wasn’t an easy decision for Shona to make and she is gutted to be walking away from her soap family, especially as she has grown up on set with most of them.
“She’ll be sorely missed by the cast.
“But she feels like now is the right time in her life to step away and try something new.
“She is hoping the door will be left open for her character to return one day, but nothing is guaranteed and it is all in the hands of the scriptwriters.”
