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EastEnders icon whose departure from the Square was called ‘the end of an era’ is unrecognisable with sixties inspired new look… can you guess who it is?

BBG News

She left Albert Square last year after 16 years on EastEnders.

The unexpected farewell, with its poignant narrative, left many fans tearful, labeling it a “closure of an epoch”.

After leaving her soap opera character behind, this actress has been exploring fresh acting opportunities and just had her West End theatrical debut.

In my latest Instagram post, I’ve stepped out of my usual comfort zone and embraced a stunning 60s-inspired transformation! Say goodbye to the familiar “soap star” look, as I’ve swapped it for a glamorous new makeup style and a chic short bob haircut.

But can you guess who this iconic soap star is? 

It’s EastEnders favourite Shona McGarty!

Over the weekend, the actress displayed a vintage style on her recent social media posts, striking poses while wearing shimmering sky-blue eyeliner and a fitted dress in the same hue.

Shona is experimenting with different styles while venturing into singing, performing timeless hits at nightclub events and also creating fresh tracks in a recording studio.

The bustling star has just concluded her first performance on the West End stage in the musical titled “Queen of the Pin-Ups,” portraying the character of Bettie Page.

Shona, age 33, who played the role of Whitney Dean on EastEnders for more than 16 years, said a touching goodbye to her character in May as she sought to pursue other possibilities. She expressed her desire to experiment with new endeavors before she felt that she was becoming too old.

Shona confessed that making the decision was tough since it represented a familiar world she had always been part of. Having spent most of her life on the Square, she felt as though she was saying goodbye to her childhood home.

However, circumstances called for me to muster up courage, as life seems even briefer with each passing year.

Fans mourned the exit of her character as the “culmination of an epoch,” finding it difficult to keep watching, with many shedding tears in the process.

Fortunately, the soap bosses have kept an opening for Shona, as Whitey is relocating to Wakefield to be nearer to her brother, Ryan Malloy.

‘I left on the bus and not under it, so for that I’m really grateful,’ the soapstar told The Sun. 

I’d love to return to EastEnders – for 16 years, I was part of building a TV family there. EastEnders has been like a second home to me since childhood.

Shona mentioned that she continues to have a strong connection with EastEnders, however, she can’t come back immediately as there are currently no opportunities available for her to do so.

Since 2008, when she was just 16, Whitney has been a central figure in numerous thrilling plotlines spanning the past 16 years.

But her most recent, potentially her last, was the most heartbreaking so far.

In May, Whitney’s last episodes unfolded a tragic story where her partner, Zack Hudson, and father of their newborn daughter Dolly, shattered her heart by cheating on her with her old friend, Lauren Branning.

During the final episodes in May, Whitney’s partner, Zack Hudson (the father of their baby girl Dolly), betrayed her and broke her heart when he was unfaithful to her with an old friend named Lauren Branning.

Overwhelmed by the hurt of being betrayed, she felt it necessary to bid farewell to her residence in Walford and make the journey to Wakefield, where her brother, Ryan Malloy, resided.

Initially, the new mom found her grand schemes a bit overpowering; however, she felt comforted when Bianca, her adoptive mother, extended an offer to help out.

In a heart-wrenching twist, I found my world crumbling to pieces when I discovered Bianca had been keeping the secret of Zack and Lauren all along. The betrayal cut deep as she stood there, knowing yet saying nothing to me.

Instead of letting Bianca come along, Whitney opted to depart with Dolly and her ward, Britney Wainwright, on their own.

Instead of rushing onto the bus as a means of avoiding pain and distress, Whitney sought resolution by having private conversations with Zack and Lauren individually.

Following an affectionate farewell at the Vic, residents accompanied Whitney as she made her way to the bus stop. Along the journey, soap extras warmly embraced and kissed her goodbye.

With a stoic demeanor, Whitney wept softly as she walked through the square one last time, an event so poignant that viewers at home couldn’t help but weep along with her, expressing their hope for her future appearances.

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2025-07-14 10:33

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