Eastenders star Shona McGarty has revealed the “real” reason she quit the soap after 16 years.
The actress quit EastEnders after 16 years of playing Whitney Dean in July 2023.
The 32-year-old’s final scenes aired earlier this year.
Speaking to The Sun on Sunday at the time, 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,” the 31-year-old added.
In a new interview with The Sun, Shona revealed that it was a “really difficult” decision to leave the show, but inevitably decided she wanted to explore “other opportunities” before she got “too old.”
She told the outlet: “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.”
“There are other opportunities and areas of the industry I want to explore before I get too old! All things come to an end and this is the new chapter of my life.”
“So although it was a big decision, once I’d made it, I was quite resolute that this was something I had to do. I mean, 16 years is amazing. I’ve had a really good run and Whitney needs a break.”
“I’m not gonna lie, I feel like it’s a kind of grief and I didn’t think I’d be so emotional. But seeing all the fans who had these messages and cards was just beautiful and, although I tried to keep it together, I actually fell to pieces,” she revealed.
A source told the publication at the time: “It wasn’t an easy decision for Shona to make and she is gutted to be walking away from her soap family, especially as she has grown up on set with most of them. She’ll be sorely missed by the cast.”
“But she feels like now is the right time in her life to step away and try something new.”
