Latest news with #WhitneyDean
Daily Mail
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
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?
She left Albert Square last year after 16 years on EastEnders. Her surprise departure, and emotional exit storyline, had fans sobbing as they dubbed it the 'end of an era'. Since quitting her soap role, this actress has sought out new acting ventures and recently made her West End debut. And in a new Instagram snap, the star is unrecognisable, ditching her signature soap look for glam sixties inspired makeup and a short bob haircut. But can you guess who this iconic soap star is? It's EastEnders favourite Shona McGarty! The actress showed off her retro look in new social media snaps over the weekend, posing in sparkling blue eye makeup teamed with a figure hugging baby blue dress. Shona has been trying out new looks as she turns her hand to singing, belting out classics at club nights alongside recording some new music in the studio. The busy star also recently wrapped up her West End debut in the musical Queen of the Pin-Ups, playing Bettie Page. Shona, 33, who portrayed legend Whitney Dean on EastEnders for over 16 years, bid an emotional farewell tp her character back in May to 'explore other opportunities,' explaining that she wanted to try out new ventures before she felt 'too old'. Explaining that turning 30 had changed her perspective on things, Shona admitted: '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. 'But I had to put on my big girl pants and be quite brave, because life is so short, and you feel that more and more as you get older.' Her character's departure was named the 'end of an era' by fans who were left 'crying' as they struggled to watch. But, luckily for Shona soap bosses have left the door open, with Whitey moving to Wakefield to be closer 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 would absolutely go back to EastEnders - it's 16 years of creating a family, I grew up on that show.' Shona added that she has maintained a good relationship with EastEnders, but there is no scope for her to return right away. Whitney made her debut in 2008, aged 16, and has been at the centre of multiple explosive storylines over the last 16 years. But her most recent, potentially her last, was the most heartbreaking so far. Her final episodes in May, saw Whitney's partner and father to her newborn Dolly, Zack Hudson, break her heart after he cheated with childhood pal Lauren Branning. Unable to cope with the betrayal, she decided it was her time to say goodbye to her home in Walford and move to Wakefield to be closer to her brother, Ryan Malloy. The new mother's big plans were initially overwhelming, but she felt reassured when her adoptive mother, Bianca, offered to join her. This plan soon crashed and burned as Whitney felt betrayed once more when she learned Bianca knew all along about Zack and Lauren's secret and didn't tell her. Whitney refused to let Bianca join her and decided to leave alone with Dolly and her foster child, Britney Wainwright. Before jumping on the bus to escape the heartache and suffering, Whitney attempted closure by meeting with Zack and Lauren separately. After an emotional final goodbye at her leaving do in the Vic, residents walked Whitney to her bus stop and soap extras gave her a hug and kiss on the way. Whitney held her head high and quietly sobbed as she made her way through the square for the final time - a scene so emotional that fans at home were reduced to tears and begged for her return in the future.
Scottish Sun
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
EastEnders star plans pop career as she hits the studio with Kylie and Westlife producer months after quitting Walford
Fans weren't happy with the star's exit scenes on EastEnders music magic EastEnders star plans pop career as she hits the studio with Kylie and Westlife producer months after quitting Walford A FORMER EastEnders star is planning a huge pop career - months after leaving Albert Square. Shona McGarty played popular Whitney Dean from 2008 until leaving in 2024. 4 EastEnders' Shona McGarty gave fans a look into her music career Credit: Instagram 4 She described working with record producer Steve Anderson as an "absolute dream" Credit: Instagram 4 She played Whitney Dean for 15 years Credit: BBC Taking to Instagram, the star posted a photo of herself alongside musician and record producer Steve Anderson. She captioned: "My happy place! Working with @mrsteveanderson is an absolute dream, we got so much accomplished in our studio session yesterday, and I feel it is all coming together nicely. "Do you guys want a little sneak peek at something we recorded?" One fan commented: "No way! This is awesome x." Another wrote: "Sneak peak pleaseeee! You're looking beautiful girl so proud of you girl." A third added: "Yes can't wait to hear your music Shona." While a fourth shared: "So happy for you! You deserve every bit of happiness and success." Through the production group Brothers in Rhythym, Steve has worked with artists including Kylie Minogue and Westlife. As for Shona, the actress first announced her decision to leave EastEnders back in 2023. Speaking exclusively to The Sun on Sunday, Shona said: 'I have decided to spread my wings and will be leaving EastEnders. I have loved my years in the show. 'Worst ever exit' say EastEnders fans as Whitney Dean quits Walford for good 'I have been trusted with some incredible storylines and have made amazing friendships — and family — which will endure.' Whitney's final storylines built towards her wedding with fiancé Zack Hudson. It saw her adoptive mother - and show legend - Bianca Jackson make a comeback to the Square. However, Whitney was left devastated upon learning Zack cheated on her on her wedding day and furiously called the whole thing off. She told Zack: 'It's OK that you didn't love me enough. Maybe I didn't love you enough either, because if I did then maybe I wouldn't have lied to you about Britney? 'I feel that love for Peach, we both do. But do you think maybe that love and that pain kept us together for longer than it should have. 'It gave us Dolly though and I'll never regret the time we had together but it's over.' After cutting ties with Bianca - who'd kept quiet about Zack's infidelity Whitney left alongside Britney and Dolly for a new life in Wakefield. While she got a prestigious Julia's Theme send-off, viewers weren't too pleased with Whitney's exit. One wrote: "#EastEnders this is possibly up there with the worst ending especially for Whitney. I wish her and Jay got together had a baby and left the square happily ever after.' Most complained about soap storylines Over the years, all three of the main soaps have featured plots that have had even die-hard fans reaching for their phones and laptops so they can get in touch with Ofcom and complain. Here are just some of the most scandalous... EastEnders baby theft: 13,400 Ofcom complaints - Back in 2011, EastEnders was flooded with complaints when Ronnie Branning (RIP) swapped her baby for the dead son of Kat Moon. The storyline drew the most number of objections in the soap's long history and saw it roundly criticised by campaigners - with 13,400 flying in over the course of the storyline. Some viewers called it 'distressing' and 'horrific' but Ofcom ruled the scenes were not "unduly disturbing'. Emmerdale dog-napping: 550 Ofcom complaints - Back in 2016, Ross Barton and Charity Dingle came up with a plan to steal a dog and hold it ransom - but viewers didn't like it one bit. The nation's pet owners rose up, insisting the storyline would encourage copycats (not to mention copydogs). Complaints over two episodes totalled a staggering 550 and soap writers quickly learnt you don't mess with animal-lovers. Coronation Street double murder: 546 Ofcom complaints - Marginally less people complained about a gruesome double murder than objected to a dog-napping plot when Pat Phelan was at the centre of a spate of killings. First he forced Andy Carver to shoot dead Vinny Ashford - and then Pat killed Andy. All the bloodshed back in 2017 proved to be too much for some viewers, who lodged complaints in vast numbers about the 'violent scenes'. Another added: 'Shona McGarty's final episode might quite possibly be one of the worst episodes I've ever endured. That's exactly what it felt like. I had to endure it. "I never wanna hear the names Whitney, Britney or Peach & the phrase 'what's best for my daughters Zack' ever again. #Eastenders' A third remarked: "Worst exit story ever, Whitney deserved better after all the trauma they put her through on this show. Logging out until Christmas, what a disappointment #Eastenders." EastEnders airs on BBC One and iPlayer.
The Irish Sun
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
EastEnders star plans pop career as she hits the studio with Kylie and Westlife producer months after quitting Walford
A FORMER EastEnders star is planning a huge pop career - months after leaving Albert Square. Shona McGarty played popular Whitney Dean from 2008 4 EastEnders' Shona McGarty gave fans a look into her music career Credit: Instagram 4 She described working with record producer Steve Anderson as an "absolute dream" Credit: Instagram 4 She played Whitney Dean for 15 years Credit: BBC Taking to Instagram, the star posted a photo of herself alongside musician and record producer Steve Anderson. She captioned: "My happy place! Working with "Do you guys want a little sneak peek at something we recorded?" One fan commented: "No way! This is awesome x." Read more on EastEnders Another wrote: "Sneak peak pleaseeee! You're looking beautiful girl so proud of you girl." A third added: "Yes can't wait to hear your music Shona." While a fourth shared: "So happy for you! You deserve every bit of happiness and success." Through the production group Brothers in Rhythym, Steve has worked with artists including Kylie Minogue and Westlife. Most read in Soaps As for Shona, the Speaking exclusively to The Sun on Sunday, Shona said: 'I have decided to spread my wings and will be leaving EastEnders. I have loved my years in the show. 'Worst ever exit' say EastEnders fans as Whitney Dean quits Walford for good 'I have been trusted with some incredible storylines and have made amazing friendships — and family — which will endure.' Whitney's final storylines built towards It saw her adoptive mother - and show legend - Bianca Jackson However, Whitney was left devastated upon learning Zack cheated on her on her wedding day and furiously called the whole thing off. She told Zack: 'It's OK that you didn't love me enough. Maybe I didn't love you enough either, because if I did then maybe I wouldn't have lied to you about Britney? 'I feel that love for Peach, we both do. But do you think maybe that love and that pain kept us together for longer than it should have. 'It gave us Dolly though and I'll never regret the time we had together but it's over.' After cutting ties with Bianca - who'd kept quiet about Zack's infidelity Whitney left alongside Britney and Dolly for a new life in Wakefield. While she got a prestigious Julia's Theme send-off, viewers weren't too pleased with Whitney's exit. One wrote: "#EastEnders this is possibly up there with the worst ending especially for Whitney. I wish her and Jay got together had a baby and left the square happily ever after.' Most complained about soap storylines Over the years, all three of the main soaps have featured plots that have had even die-hard fans reaching for their phones and laptops so they can EastEnders baby theft: 13,400 Ofcom complaints - Back in 2011, EastEnders was flooded with complaints when Ronnie Branning (RIP) swapped her baby for the dead son of Kat Moon. The storyline drew the most number of objections in the soap's long history and saw it roundly criticised by campaigners - with 13,400 flying in over the course of the storyline. Some viewers called it 'distressing' and 'horrific' but Ofcom ruled the scenes were not "unduly disturbing'. Emmerdale dog-napping: 550 Ofcom complaints - Back in 2016, Ross Barton and Charity Dingle came up with a plan to steal a dog and hold it ransom - but viewers didn't like it one bit. The nation's pet owners rose up, insisting the storyline would encourage copycats (not to mention copydogs). Complaints over two episodes totalled a staggering 550 and soap writers quickly learnt you don't mess with animal-lovers. Coronation Street double murder: 546 Ofcom complaints - Marginally less people complained about a gruesome double murder than objected to a dog-napping plot when Pat Phelan was Another added: 'Shona McGarty's final episode might quite possibly be one of the worst episodes I've ever endured. That's exactly what it felt like. I had to endure it. "I never wanna hear the names Whitney, Britney or Peach & the phrase 'what's best for my daughters Zack' ever again. #Eastenders' A third remarked: " Worst exit story ever, Whitney deserved better after all the trauma they put her through on this show. Logging out until Christmas , what a disappointment #Eastenders ." EastEnders airs on BBC One and iPlayer. 4 Whitney's exit involved wedding day drama Credit: BBC
The Sun
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders star plans pop career as she hits the studio with Kylie and Westlife producer months after quitting Walford
A FORMER EastEnders star is planning a huge pop career - months after leaving Albert Square. Shona McGarty played popular Whitney Dean from 2008 until leaving in 2024. 4 4 Taking to Instagram, the star posted a photo of herself alongside musician and record producer Steve Anderson. She captioned: "My happy place! Working with @mrsteveanderson is an absolute dream, we got so much accomplished in our studio session yesterday, and I feel it is all coming together nicely. "Do you guys want a little sneak peek at something we recorded?" One fan commented: "No way! This is awesome x." Another wrote: "Sneak peak pleaseeee! You're looking beautiful girl so proud of you girl." A third added: "Yes can't wait to hear your music Shona." While a fourth shared: "So happy for you! You deserve every bit of happiness and success." Through the production group Brothers in Rhythym, Steve has worked with artists including Kylie Minogue and Westlife. As for Shona, the actress first announced her decision to leave EastEnders back in 2023. Speaking exclusively to The Sun on Sunday, Shona 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.' Whitney's final storylines built towards her wedding with fiancé Zack Hudson. It saw her adoptive mother - and show legend - Bianca Jackson make a comeback to the Square. However, Whitney was left devastated upon learning Zack cheated on her on her wedding day and furiously called the whole thing off. She told Zack: 'It's OK that you didn't love me enough. Maybe I didn't love you enough either, because if I did then maybe I wouldn't have lied to you about Britney? 'I feel that love for Peach, we both do. But do you think maybe that love and that pain kept us together for longer than it should have. 'It gave us Dolly though and I'll never regret the time we had together but it's over.' After cutting ties with Bianca - who'd kept quiet about Zack's infidelity Whitney left alongside Britney and Dolly for a new life in Wakefield. While she got a prestigious Julia's Theme send-off, viewers weren't too pleased with Whitney's exit. One wrote: "#EastEnders this is possibly up there with the worst ending especially for Whitney. I wish her and Jay got together had a baby and left the square happily ever after.' Most complained about soap storylines Over the years, all three of the main soaps have featured plots that have had even die-hard fans reaching for their phones and laptops so they can get in touch with Ofcom and complain. Here are just some of the most scandalous... EastEnders baby theft: 13,400 Ofcom complaints - Back in 2011, EastEnders was flooded with complaints when Ronnie Branning (RIP) swapped her baby for the dead son of Kat Moon. The storyline drew the most number of objections in the soap's long history and saw it roundly criticised by campaigners - with 13,400 flying in over the course of the storyline. Some viewers called it 'distressing' and 'horrific' but Ofcom ruled the scenes were not "unduly disturbing'. Emmerdale dog-napping: 550 Ofcom complaints - Back in 2016, Ross Barton and Charity Dingle came up with a plan to steal a dog and hold it ransom - but viewers didn't like it one bit. The nation's pet owners rose up, insisting the storyline would encourage copycats (not to mention copydogs). Complaints over two episodes totalled a staggering 550 and soap writers quickly learnt you don't mess with animal-lovers. Coronation Street double murder: 546 Ofcom complaints - Marginally less people complained about a gruesome double murder than objected to a dog-napping plot when Pat Phelan was at the centre of a spate of killings. First he forced Andy Carver to shoot dead Vinny Ashford - and then Pat killed Andy. All the bloodshed back in 2017 proved to be too much for some viewers, who lodged complaints in vast numbers about the 'violent scenes'. Another added: 'Shona McGarty's final episode might quite possibly be one of the worst episodes I've ever endured. That's exactly what it felt like. I had to endure it. "I never wanna hear the names Whitney, Britney or Peach & the phrase 'what's best for my daughters Zack' ever again. #Eastenders' A third remarked: "Worst exit story ever, Whitney deserved better after all the trauma they put her through on this show. Logging out until Christmas, what a disappointment #Eastenders." EastEnders airs on BBC One and iPlayer. 4
Daily Mail
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Lorraine viewers seriously distracted by EastEnders star Shona McGarty's appearance as she promotes new show
Lorraine viewers were seriously distracted by EastEnders star Shona McGarty 's appearance as she promoted her new show on the sofa this morning. Today's episode of the ITV chat show saw the actress, 33 - best known as Whitney Dean on the BBC soap - discuss her latest gig with presenter Ranvir Singh. After playing the character for 16 years, before her departure from Walford in 2024, she is now set to star in Bettie Page Queen of Pin-Ups: The Musical. The new show will see Shona play the iconic American pin-up girl for one night only at London 's Lyric Theatre on June 9. But Lorraine viewers today were more focussed on Shona's appearance - taking to X to say that with her fringe and bobbed hair, she looked uncannily like Lorraine Kelly. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Viewers said the actress, 33, looked uncannily similar to Lorraine Kelly, 65, the presenter of the self-titled chat show (pictured) Today's episode of the ITV chat show saw Shona - best known as Whitney Dean on the BBC soap - discuss her latest gig with presenter Ranvir Singh One fan said, comparing Shona to the Scottish host, 65, of the self-titled chat show: 'Lorraine is looking a bit younger from her days off.' Another user responded: 'Great minds.' They also made their own separate post on the social media platform: 'Shona's morphed into Lorraine.' Someone else said they agreed wholeheartedly: 'I couldn't think who she reminded me of but yes that's it!' At one point in the programme, Ranvir asked Shona if she found it hard to escape being associated with Whitney, having played her continuously since she was a teenager. Shona responded: 'Yeah, I mean, I've got a fringe now so I think people sort of go, "Is it...?" 'Or you know, I've had quite a few elderly ladies come up to me and they think I'm their hairdresser or they don't quite know why they know.' Ranvir agreed: 'They know you from somewhere, so familiar!' Laughing, Shona continued: 'And I haven't got the heart to say, "No, it's EastEnders", so I say, "Yeah, book another appointment in and I'll give you a quick snip off the ends". 'But yeah, I think the Whitney thing is still there, which is nice, I mean, I was in it for a long time.' Elsewhere in the interview, the soap actress brought up advice her EastEnders co-stars had given her over the years about both her career and life in general. She said the late June Brown - who passed away in 2022 aged 95, after playing Dot Cotton on the soap for 35 years - gave her a very cheeky tidbit of advice years ago: 'I'm never quite sure what she meant. 'I said: "What's your secret to getting to 93?". And she said: "A handful of nuts a day." I don't know what she meant...' Ranvir laughed, 'She might have been...', with Shona finishing her sentence, chuckling: 'Being cheeky.' The presenter continued: 'A double entendre there.' Shona agreed, amused: 'Absolutely. I'll have a few almonds every now and then.' The actress reminded viewers of Lorraine just after the chat show presenter disappeared from screens again on Monday, ditching her ITV programme this week. She took to Instagram on Sunday to share an exciting new project she is working on - meaning she would not be presenting her daily self-named programme for a week. Lorraine said: 'Hi there! I'm in the land of the midnight sun. It's absolutely glorious. 'It's a project that I have wanted to do for years and years and finally it is actually happening. 'I'm heading really, really far North. It is going to be amazing and I will tell you all about it when I am back. 'I'm back a week tomorrow (Monday) and I will see you then. Wish me luck.' But some couldn't contain themselves in the comments section, with one asking the telly star: 'So more time off work then Lorraine!?'
