Is Whitney Dean’s Leaving EastEnders? Why is Whitney Dean’s Leaving EastEnders?

Is Whitney Dean leaving EastEnders?

Yes, Whitney Dean (played by Shauna McGarty) is indeed leaving EastEnders and her departure is sure to be dramatic. In the upcoming storyline, viewers will see Whitney and her partner Zach Hudson (played by James Farrar) travel to Milton Keynes to visit Bianca Jackson (played by Patsy Palmer) after their recent breakup.

However, the visit takes an unexpected and shocking turn when Whitney is run over by a speeding car, adding an extra layer of suspense and surprise to the plot.

The incident follows a series of dramatic events that unfold upon their arrival in Milton Keynes. Upon their arrival, Whitney and Zach face the disapproval of two local kids named Taylor and Britney, which adds an extra layer of tension to the storyline.

With the intense drama building, Whitney’s departure from EastEnders seems both thrilling and exciting. Fans will likely be nervously watching Whitney’s final moments on the show.

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Whitney Dean, EastEnders

Whitney Dean, played by Shona McGarty in EastEnders, is a fictional character introduced in 2008 and is the guardian of Bianca Jackson. She is portrayed as a strong character, the eldest of Bianca’s four children, and embodies both an equal and a younger version of Bianca’s guardian.

Whitney faced challenges, including a hiatus in 2012 and a short break in 2017. Shawna McGarty celebrated her 1,000th episode in 2018.

Whitney’s storyline centers on family strife, including a one-night stand after an engagement, a marriage that failed due to Lee Carter’s depression, and a painful miscarriage due to Lee’s infidelity.

Complex relationships unfold, from a romantic obsession with Lee’s father to a disastrous wedding to Callum Highway. Notably, Whitney’s encounter with Tony’s son Leo King turns dark, leading to her suicide in self-defense.

Controversially, Whitney’s relationship with Tony sparked over 200 complaints and was criticised as one of EastEnders’ darkest storylines. Despite this, the RPC praised it for raising awareness of abuse.

This plot earned the show a Royal Television Society Programme Award for Best Soap Opera and Drama Series in 2009. As of 2023, after 15 years, Shona McGarty has resigned, while Whitney is set to leave the soap in early 2024.

Who plays Whitney Dean in EastEnders?

Shona Bernadette McGarty (born 14 October 1991) is an English actress and singer, best known for her role as Whitney Dean in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, which ran from 2008 to 2024. Shona was born in Barnet, London to parents Patrick McGarty and Jennifer McNamara, and she has a younger sister named Camilla, who is of Irish descent.

She attended St Theresa’s Catholic Primary School and later attended Loreto College in St Albans. Prior to starring in EastEnders, McGarty performed in amateur musical theatre for six years, including a role in The Wizard of Oz and in the 2007 short film What Goes Around.

Her EastEnders journey began in January 2008, playing Whitney, the daughter of Bianca Jackson’s late partner. However, in July 2012, McGarty was temporarily suspended from the show for being late to the show, a move she later regretted.

During her time on EastEnders, Shaughna McGarty played a key role in multiple storylines, from marriage and miscarriage to being stalked and even facing a tricky pregnancy conspiracy.

In addition to acting, she has also been involved in charity work, recording songs such as “Rock With Rudolph” and a cover of the Beatles’ “Let It Be” for Great Ormond Street Hospital and the British charity Mind.

In July 2023, fifteen years after joining EastEnders, McGarty announced his departure from the show to “spread [her] Wings”, expressing her love for being in the show. Her final scenes are expected to air in 2024, when her contract expires.

Why did Whitney Dean leave EastEnders?

Shaughna McGarty’s Whitney Dean has left EastEnders after more than a decade on the show. Her character has experienced a lot of grief, including the death of her daughter Pidge.

Recently, Whitney found out she was pregnant with husband Zach Hudson’s child and as they were planning to become foster parents, the couple temporarily left Walford and travelled to Milton Keynes to help Whitney’s foster mum Bianca.

During their stay, Whitney revealed her pregnancy to Bianca but kept it a secret from her sister Sonya. Whitney bonded with local kids Britney and Tyler and learned about their plight, including Britney’s mother Keeley’s drug problem.

As Whitney tried to help, a series of events ensued, culminating in a shocking accident where Whitney saved Britney from being hit by a car.Shauna McGarty’s decision to quit the show prompted fans to express their hopes for a happy ending for Zach.

Whitney’s character went through challenging storylines, such as being taken advantage of by Bianca’s ex-partner Tony King during her teenage years. With Whitney’s exit, the storyline left the audience on edge, wondering if the story would end with her tragic end.

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East End

The British television soap opera EastEnders has been a favourite with audiences since it premiered on BBC One in February 1985. Set in the fictional borough of Walford in London’s East End, the series follows the residents and their families as they navigate the complexities of everyday life.

Remarkably, within eight months of its launch, EastEnders topped the BARB TV ratings and has remained one of the most watched TV series in the UK.

Created by Julia Smith and Tony Holland, the soap has carved out a unique niche in British television by delving into controversial and taboo subjects. It is groundbreaking in its depiction of social life and has brought unprecedented storytelling to mainstream British television.

A key theme of EastEnders is the emphasis on strong families, with the core families of the Beers, Brannings, Mitchells, Slaters and Watts driving compelling and dramatic storylines. The series is filmed at the BBC’s Elstree Centre, with outdoor sets rebuilt in 2022 to enhance their visual appeal.

While EastEnders has been praised for tackling real-life issues and raising awareness, it has also been criticised for certain storylines, including the controversial baby swap in 2010. Despite the controversy, the show’s cast and crew have received awards and nominations, reflecting its impact on television storytelling.

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