London-born Shona McGarty has been an actress on the set Eastenders for over 13 years.
The 29 year old star has solidified herself in soap opera history – playing the popular role of Whitney Dean from the age of 16.
Shona won the award of Best Newcomer at the British Soap Awards in 2009 after her role as Whitney saw her play the character of an abused teenager.
Since then, Shona has stayed with the show as her career has continued. But things haven’t always been smooth-sailing for this soap starlet.
Is Shona McGarty married?
Away from the awards shows and camera crews, Shona was engaged to her longtime partner, electrician – Ryan Harris.
Shona announced her engagement in January 2018, however the pair revealed that they were breaking up in 2020 after keeping their split secret for a long time.
“We just grew apart. Nothing bad happened, it was all very amicable.” Shona explained.
“We were together for a long time, but it just wasn’t meant to be.”
Will Whitney Dean leave Eastenders?
Following her break up, the Londoner has remained focused on her acting – despite previous suspensions.
In 2012, the actress was suspended from filming Eastenders after issues with her time management skills.
At the time, a BBC spokesperson said: “Shona has been suspended for repeatedly being late for filming.”
After four weeks of unpaid leave, Shona resumed filming – getting stuck into a controversial storyline surrounding prostitution that received over 200 Ofcom complaints.
But after over a decade spent on the show, it seems that her role in Walford might come to an end.
Speaking to The Sun she said: “Who’s to say Whitney and Kush aren’t going to live happily ever after together away from Walford?
“This could very well be her fairytale ending”.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk