Real reason EastEnders star quits Walford explained as Whitney leaves for Wakefield

It’s the end of an era for EastEnders viewers as fan favorite Whitney Dean leaves Albert Square in tonight’s episode, with star Shona McGarty leaving the show after 16 years.

The long-time Walford resident went through a tough time recently after finding out at the altar that her husband-to-be Zack had slept with her best friend Lauren. With baby Dolly to care for and heartbreak to deal with, Whitney revealed on Wednesday’s episode that she will be leaving the Square for good.

In tonight’s (Thursday’s) episode, Whitney reveals exactly why she decided to leave Walford – explaining that she will be living with her brother Ryan in Wakefield. Speaking to her adopted daughter Britney, Whitney says: ‘I spoke to Ryan and he said we can stay with him so he’s offering you a temporary place in a school.

“We don’t have to stay in Wakefield forever. We can just relax and figure out what we want to do.”

When her mother Bianca asks her why she’s leaving Walford when everyone loves her, Whitney says, “If I want to break bad habits, like falling into Zack’s arms or someone else’s arms, I need a whole new start.” .

After Zack finds out, Whitney: “I have to do what’s right for me. For me and my girls, Britney and Dolly.”

Whitney’s brother Ryan Malloy first appeared on television in 2009 with Neil McDermott taking over the role. The character officially left the soap in 2011 after killing Robert Grayson – the man who looked after Whitney – and going on the run.

He subsequently returned as a one-off guest in 2014, 2016 and most recently in 2023 when he returned to Walford to try and bond with his daughter Lily.

As for why Shona decided to leave the soap after 16 years, the actress said earlier this year that she wanted to explore “other opportunities”. Speaking to The Sun, Shona said: “There are other opportunities and areas of the industry that I want to explore before I get too old!

“All things come to an end and this is the new chapter of my life. I had a really good race and Whitney needs a break. She had a pretty tough paper round.”

Earlier this year, Bianca Jackson (played by Patsy Palmer) made a comeback that sparked Whitney’s favorable storyline. In Thursday’s episode, Bianca offers to move in with Whitney – but when Zack reveals that Bianca knew about his affair with Lauren, she denies it.

EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7.30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.