EastEnders actress Shona McGarty denies quitting soap

EastEnders star Shona McGarty has denied a newspaper report that she is leaving the BBC One soap.

It was reported over the weekend that McGarty, who has played Whitney Dean since 2008, is to leave the soap to pursue a music career. This is the second time it has been reported that the actress plans to make such a transition. However, McGarty told Digital Spy that the latest report is untrue and that she has no current plans to bow out from her role.

“I’m very happy at EastEnders and have no current plans to leave.” – Shona McGarty

Whitney is the adoptive daughter of Biana Jackson (Patsy Palmer) and was at the centre of one of the soap’s most controversial storylines ever shortly after her arrival. It focused on Whitney being sexually abused by Bianca’s partner, Tony King.

Last year, McGarty was suspended by bosses for repeatedly turning up late for filming at the soap’s base in Elstree, Hertfordshire.