After nearly two decades on EastEnders, the decision to move on wasn’t an easy one for Shona McGarty. But in the spring of 2024, the soap veteran made her exit after 16 years of playing Whitney Dean, Albert Square’s long-suffering yet resilient character. Shona left in true Walford style, hopping into a black cab and bidding farewell to her life on the Square.

“I’d thought about leaving EastEnders on and off for about three or four years,” she reveals during our ReVamp shoot. “But they always kept Whitney busy—whether she was crying about someone, something, or stabbing someone in the kitchen! She always had a storyline, which was amazing for me as an actress. It kept me excited and made it hard to leave. I kept waiting for a quiet year to make my decision, but that never happened. Eventually, I just realized I wanted to explore other things.”

During the 60s-inspired photo shoot, Shona looks nothing like her on-screen alter ego. Her deep burgundy hair, styled into a chic wavy bob, highlights her striking features and draws attention to her large eyes, giving her a resemblance to Angelina Jolie. When we mention the likeness, her face lights up. “She’s my idol,” Shona gushes. “I’ve got pictures of her everywhere.”

Whitney Dean is firmly behind her—at least for now. Since leaving the show, Shona has embraced new opportunities. She starred in the sell-out Irish production of 2:22 alongside Laura Whitmore, Jay McGuinness, and Colin O’Donoghue. She also got engaged to her fiancé, David Bracken, and is currently writing and recording music. After years of delivering Whitney’s emotional highs and lows, Shona is now focused on discovering her own voice.

After the shoot, Shona sits down with ReVamp to chat about her future, living with imposter syndrome, how she met her soulmate, and, for the first time, opens up about the violent bullying she endured as a teenager and the sweet revenge she served on some of those bullies in later life. 

So you’re free from Albert Square. What’s the dream?

I’ve always wanted to do more singing—whether in shows or just anywhere, really. I love singing. The buzz from singing is so different to acting. But I didn’t get to experience that as much as I’d have liked. I also want to try other acting jobs. Picking up different scripts, putting on a wig, becoming a different character, doing different accents—that’s what being an actress is all about. I feel like I’m probably more of a jobbing actress because I love being creative with different characters.

On EastEnders, you endured some pretty tough storylines. As an actress and a human being, was it tough to carry the weight of such dark, heavy stories?

It’s 12-hour days, and especially for my character, who was crying about everything. But I always say I left Whitney at the gate every night when I went home. I know some people don’t, but I did. Some of the crying was actually good therapy for me. Life doesn’t stop when you’re on a job. Sometimes you’ve got personal things going on—you’ve lost someone, your dog isn’t well, your mum isn’t well. But the show must go on. Through my character, I could cry and really let it all out.

You mean exorcising your demons a little bit. You started at 16—that’s such a formative time. Did you find it hard to grow up in such a big, confining job?

Definitely. I grew up on the set of EastEnders. All my friends were going out, and I wanted to do that too. But I also had the responsibility of being on set at 7 a.m. I tried to do both for a while, but it didn’t work. It’s hard to go through life’s journey while being a professional working adult.

Did you ever go through a rebellious teen phase?

To be honest, I was quite a good girl because I think I matured earlier than my friends. I had to. Because I had a job, and I knew the value of it. I knew how this opportunity could change my whole life, so I made sure I didn’t ruin it for myself. And it has changed my life. Sixteen years—what I thought would only be one year or a few episodes turned into sixteen years. It’s amazing.

Had you studied acting?

No, but I went to a Saturday drama workshop, like a casual thing. So I’ve got imposter syndrome. I always felt like I was winging it on EastEnders because, even after sixteen years, I couldn’t believe I was still there.

Even after all the soap awards you’ve won?

I always feel like I’m going to get caught out, like I shouldn’t be there. If I’m singing on a show amongst amazing, established artists, even though the show has asked me to perform, I feel like they’re doing me a favour.

But you had all those great storylines and tough scenes, and people would praise your performance.

Honestly, I listened to a lot of fans and what they thought.

Can’t that be dangerous?

Sometimes it was brilliant because I’d think, “Great, I’ve got this feedback, and I’m glad someone related to the storyline.” It was important to me that my performance portrayed those subjects correctly. But then, on the other hand, there’s a danger when people say things like, “Oh, she’s put a bit of weight on,” or make other nasty comments. You think you won’t let it get to you, but when you’re at a young age, it does. You don’t know who you are, you’re still trying to find your identity, and then people are telling you that you’re overweight. It does make you self-conscious. I’m so much better now. I actually reply to some people and say, “I hope you’re okay.” I say something like, “I hope you’re okay,” because to be that unkind, you must be really, really unhappy.

And do they reply?

Sometimes, and they’re rude because they don’t like what I’ve said. But sometimes they say sorry, or they say nothing at all.

People must be called out, don’t they?

Yeah, like they can say and do anything they want.

Has this whole showbiz life turned out the way you thought it might?

I remember when I first drove into EastEnders with my mum—she was my chaperone—I imagined this glamorous studio. And it wasn’t. It was quite an old studio. Obviously, it’s been there for so long. And if you wanted a cup of tea, you had to bring your own cup. But it kept us grounded, which is great in a way. But it wasn’t what I expected. Aside from that, the whole experience—like going to different awards—has been amazing. But I don’t like the snobbiness of certain things.

In what way? People thinking soap actors aren’t as good as others?

I can’t stand it. It’s funny because I’ve been in the show for 16 years, and I’ve seen some massive actors come into EastEnders who just couldn’t hack it. They couldn’t manage the schedule. They couldn’t work at that fast pace, and they’d give up. Or they’d get impatient. Lovely people, but they just couldn’t handle it. So EastEnders is an amazing place to learn for other jobs, which I’m really grateful for. It’s a very hard place to work, but it’s also really rewarding because you work with people who become like family.

They become your family. What kind of snobbery have you faced so far?

I don’t like the vibe at big awards events. Everyone’s after something. I suppose I’m just not very good at it. I’ve always felt like I’m not very good at being like that. I’d rather put on my slippers, have a cup of tea, and chat to people about normal things instead of talking about, you know, “Oh, my bag’s from so-and-so.”

People who get sucked into that world. They start out humble, and then a few years later, they’re completely changed. You seem pretty level-headed.

I think it’s thanks to my mum, actually. She always said to me and my sister, “Don’t be arrogant. Always say please and thank you.” At work, whether it’s with makeup artists or anyone else, always say thank you—even if they haven’t done much. Just, “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

It’s just general respect for people, isn’t it?

She always said, “You get further with a feather than a stick.”

In terms of public responses, have you had any strange or bad experiences with people?

When I was 19, I was in a club in Brighton for my sister’s 18th birthday with a group of girls. This guy said, “Oh, you’re Whitney from EastEnders.” I said, “Hello,” just politely. Then he said, “Come here.” So I walked over—maybe a bit naive—and said hello. As I went to walk away, he grabbed me by the hair and pulled me back to him. That was my first experience of thinking, “Wow, people are crazy.”

How do you react to situations like that?

I’ve learned to say, “This is my personal space,” or, “You’re making me feel uncomfortable.” Or even, “I’m really sorry, but don’t do that.” Sometimes they stop. If they don’t, you just must walk away. People can be… unpredictable.

That’s the most dangerous thing about fandom. You have some fans who are very devoted and polite, and then you get those extreme cases where someone shows up at a celebrity’s house uninvited or worse.

It’s scary.

When you decided to quit EastEnders, did you have something else lined up?

To be honest, I just thought, “It’s now or never.”

Was there a moment or specific reason that made you feel it had to be then?

I think it was a combination of things. I’m getting married now, and I met someone really important in my life. That definitely changed my mentality. I didn’t want to be stuck in this seven-day-a-week soap schedule, not seeing my real life.

That makes sense.

My fiancé David was in a band called Blessed in Ireland, and he wanted to change as well. We kind of both discussed that it was something we eventually wanted to do if we were brave enough. So we both did it together. He was with his band for 16 years. I think my decision to leave EastEnders inspired him to leave the band. We both said, “No matter what happens, we’ve got each other, and we’ll be okay.” And then I got 2:22: A Ghost Story and went straight into that. It was in Ireland, so it was perfect.

How was that experience?

Amazing. The Irish audience is so responsive. They were all, “Oh, Jesus Christ, no!” during the scary bits.

2:22 is all about ghosts. Are you a believer?

Oh, definitely. My sister saw my granddad once sat at the end of her bed when she was younger. I haven’t seen anything myself, but I’ve heard things. Me and my mum used to go on ghost hunts a lot. We love it. We would go to graveyards! We’ve got all the gear—spirit boxes and everything. I have an EVP, a spirit box, tuning forks, lots of things. I’d love to do Most Haunted.

That’s amazing. You could be the next Yvette Fielding. Did you ever take your spirit box to the EastEnders set?

I did! A lot of people weren’t up for it, though. That place is definitely haunted. I think there are children’s spirits in my house as well.

That doesn’t scare you?

I actually find it quite comforting. I’d like to come back and scare the shit out of people I don’t like. Just a few people from my past.

Is there a specific type of show you want?

Acting-wise, I’ve always wanted to do a period drama. I’ve always been really drawn to it. I love the dressing up, and even just having really pale skin. I’m a very pale Irish lady, so I’ve always been drawn to that kind of thing. And the acting—the old style of speaking—it’s really lovely.

There does seem to be a lot of those shows now. Wolf Hall, Bridgerton, The Serpent Queen on Amazon. Period dramas are definitely in.

I’d love to do a show like Bridgerton, or something like Call the Midwife. That kind of warm, comforting show. As a fan, it feels like a big warm hug.

Is it easy to move into those kinds of roles after EastEnders? It’s such a big BBC show. Do channels keep their talent within the same circle?

I don’t think I’ve been out of EastEnders long enough to say, but I know things have changed. The BBC, like all channels, tends to look after their own, but now it’s more common for actors to jump ship. Which is exciting. I’ve seen people like Himesh Patel, who played Tamwar. Ben Hardy who played Ben. He’s now sitting next to Jennifer Lawrence at the Oscars and working with Leonardo DiCaprio. There’s hope for all of us!

Once upon a time, if you were a soap actor, it was hard to make that leap. It takes very clever manoeuvres to get there, but some have done amazingly well.

That’s my dream—to work with Angelina Jolie. Or for her. Or with her. I don’t mind.

You could play a younger version of her in a life story.

Oh, I’d love to. That’s my dream—something like that.

You said you music is on the horizon. We remember seeing you on Children In Need’s EastEnders West-End sing-a-long performing On My Own from Les Mis, and you were amazing.

Thank you. I’ve never trained. I just listened to my mum and dad’s CDs and their old Motown records.

Really? That’s incredible.

Yeah, and I sang in the shower a lot. I’ve always felt like the character in Little Voice? I’ve always kind of felt like that—trying to impersonate people. I’ve got some originals that I’ve been working on for a long time. I’d say they’re more soul. Kind of like Duffy—soulful with a bit of edge. I’m just writing and working on the music. The aim is to have a good plethora of songs ready to do something with—maybe an album or an EP. I haven’t been able to focus on it properly before, but now I feel free to sit down and write.

You performed at an event in front of King Charles last year. How did that come about?

A woman called Charlotte, who books people for these events, had seen me sing on something—though I don’t know what it was—and thought, “Let’s give her a go.” I had to beg EastEnders to let me do it as it’s always hard to get time out because of the tight schedule.

Well, it’s King Charles—you had to!

Exactly. I didn’t know if I’d panic or freeze on stage, but then I was standing next to Hannah Waddingham, Luke Evans, and Marisha Wallace. Andrea Bocelli and his son were singing, and I was thinking, “I’m not supposed to be here.”

It was an amazing lineup to be part of, and you were just as good as they were.

The funny thing is, I was working the day of the show. I was on set right up until a few hours before, so I was late for the soundcheck and dress rehearsal. I walked in and saw Hannah Waddingham, Luke Evans, Marisha Wallace, and Andrea Bocelli, all suited and booted, looking amazing. I walked in wearing an AC/DC t-shirt and riding boots. They handed me a microphone and said, “It’s your turn.” Everyone just looked at me like, “What the hell?” But they were all so lovely. Hannah was amazing.

She’s a great example of how one opportunity - like Ted Lasso - can completely change your trajectory.

Exactly. And Marisha Wallace - she’s everywhere now too.

We’re surprised you haven’t been invited to do Strictly Come Dancing.

I have been several times, but I turned it down personally because of my anxiety. I think it just got in the way. I would think, “I can’t do it,” or, “It’s not the right time.” I just panicked, and I kick myself for it now. But now that I’m older, I’m like, you know what? I’ll do it. I feel like everything happens for a reason. What’s meant for you won’t pass you by!

Where do you think this anxiety comes from? Were you shy as a young girl?

I went to an all-girls Catholic school in St Albans, and they were lovely. I had a great time there. But growing up in my hometown, there were some older kids who picked on me and my sister. I think it was because there wasn’t much for kids to do where we lived. That’s why my mum and dad put me and my sister into drama. Those kids probably didn’t have much to do, and maybe they were jealous because we had activities to keep us busy. It was hard, though.

What kind of bullying was it? Was it just name-calling, or was it physical too?

Oh, it got physical. We got attacked twice. Me and my sister were on a bus once, and the parents of the kids who were bullying us would even get involved. It was horrible. They keyed my mum’s car!

That’s terrible.

It got so bad. On the day of my audition for EastEnders, we had to go to court because of an attack. Yeah, we were attacked at a train station. They beat us up, stole my sister’s phone, money, and bus passes. I ended up in the hospital when I tried to get the bullies off her. They just jumped on me and started hitting me. 

Oh my God, that’s terrible! 

I ended up with a bust lip and nose and a black eye! The court case that followed was on the same day as my EastEnders audition, and we didn’t know if we’d make it to the audition in time. We had to rush back to Walford. But that evening, they called to say I got the part. I called the station and told them about it, and they let out a big cheer.

Sometimes bullies are the result of their own tough lives, but that doesn’t excuse their behaviour. Have you ever had those people who bullied you come crawling back now that you’re in the spotlight to apologise?

Not really. But what’s happened is I’ve seen a lot of those people around, and they act all friendly now, like they know me and say, “Oh my God, how are you?” And it felt good to just pretend I didn’t know them. I had to do that for my own healing.

It’s so much harder for young people now with online bullying. Did you ever feel like you didn’t know how to cope with the bullying?

Yeah, there were times I felt horrible. I was so young; I didn’t know what to do. I had nowhere to express myself, so I turned to drama and singing in my bedroom. And my mum was always there for me. Sometimes I’d escape to my granny’s house in Cricklewood, far from where we lived. But even then, trouble followed me. I was attacked by strangers. It knocked my confidence. I kept wondering, “What am I doing wrong?” I don’t think it had anything to do with me being on TV. My mum thinks it’s because these girls were jealous that their boyfriends might have fancied me. But who knows?

On to a brighter note - you got engaged to a guy you met on TikTok, right? As someone in TV, you must have been wary about the relationship at first?

Definitely. I ignored him for eight months! I thought, “He might be a serial killer.” I watch a lot of crime documentaries, so I’ve got my wits about me—my Whitney Deans about me, you know?

Smart! So how did he win you over?

I actually pursued him!

Ooh, get you! Love it!

I saw him playing guitar on TikTok and thought, “Wow, that’s amazing.” He was doing incredible riffs I could only dream of. I can barely play the triangle! So I messaged him saying, “You’re brilliant.” He replied, “Thank you so much. You’ve got a lovely voice. Shall we duet?” And I thought, “Bit forward!” So I ignored him for eight months. Then I went to Ireland to do The Late Late Show. This was a while ago. And he says, “You didn’t tell me you’re in Ireland!” And I said, “Why would I tell you I was in Ireland?” He said, “Because I live in Ireland.” And I went, “Oh, do you? That’s great.” And then I had a look at his profile page, did a bit of digging—some research.

To make sure he wasn’t a lunatic.

Exactly! I checked to see if he was okay, if he was on a list or something. And he checked out. So then I said, “Let’s do a little TikTok duet.” So we started chatting—about Ireland, his family, and so on. We wanted to arrange a coffee, but that didn’t happen for a while. Then we started FaceTiming. Just casual at first—like, let’s have a coffee over the phone. But we ended up talking for four hours. I told my mum, “I really like him.”

You have a great relationship with your mum, where you can tell her things like that.

Oh, absolutely. I tell her everything. She tells me straight, though.

Did she approve of David straight away?

She just said, “Be careful.” But now, they’re inseparable. My mum and David are so close. He calls her “Mummy” and everything. Now, he’s living with me.

Are you busy planning the wedding?

We’ve talked about it, but we’re not sure yet. We’ve decided on colour schemes, and I’ve started looking at dresses, but there’s no set date. We’re just enjoying being engaged for now.

Any plans for a family in the future?

Definitely, but not just yet. I’m 33 now, so there’s still time.