“I’m finding my voice and who I am away from the script and character that I grew up playing. Everyone expects me to wear massive gold hoop earrings and have a ponytail whilst eating chicken nuggets!”

The performer continued: “But I am nothing like that. I’m looking forward to using this experience to be completely myself, which nobody has seen.”

Why did Shona McGarty depart EastEnders?

In 2008, Shona joined the BBC One soap opera as Whitney, the adopted daughter of Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer), who welcomed the youngster into her care following the death of her father, Nathan Dean.

The actress’s commitment to her character for 16 years led to acclaimed performances from the soap favourite.

In 2009, just one year following her debut on EastEnders, Shona scooped a British Soap Award for Best Newcomer.

Shona’s final scenes as Whitney aired in May 2024, as the character departed Walford to begin afresh with her baby daughter Dolly.

Discussing her choice to quit EastEnders, Shona revealed to The Sun her desire to pursue different ventures.

She said: “It was a really difficult decision, because it’s all I’ve ever known. I pretty much grew up on the Square, so I feel like I’m leaving home.