Whitney Dean’s unexpected return to EastEnders this week delighted BBC One viewers — but what has actress Shona McGarty been up to since leaving Albert Square? The fan favourite character made a brief comeback on Monday (25 May) during the soap’s latest wedding chaos storyline as Vicki Fowler and Ross Marshall’s big day descended into turmoil.

But this week, Zack was confronted with his past when he found himself reunited with his former fiancée Whitney. While he hoped the encounter would reignite their romance, Whitney shut the door on any reunion, revealing she’d moved on with a new flame called Reuben.

The scenes marked an emotional return for Shona McGarty two years after her dramatic exit from the long-running soap. But away from Walford, the actress has been embracing an entirely new chapter.

Shona’s departure from EastEnders was announced in 2023, after 15 years playing Whitney Dean. Over the years, Whitney became one of the soap’s most enduring characters, appearing in storylines involving abuse, grief, foster care and heartbreak.

Her final storyline aired in 2024 and ended in explosive style. Whitney discovered on her wedding day that Zack had cheated on her with Lauren Branning after weeks of secrecy. The truth was exposed by foster daughter Britney, leaving the ceremony in shambles.

The betrayal permanently fractured Whitney and Zack’s relationship, while tensions with her mother Bianca also reached breaking point when Whitney realised Bianca had known about the affair all along.

Whitney eventually left Walford with Britney and baby daughter Dolly, choosing to start over away from the Square. At the time, Shona explained she felt ready for a new challenge after spending so much time on the BBC soap.The actress recently reprised her role for a quick stint

Since stepping away, Shona’s main focus was her music career. But she hasn’t strayed too far from the box, either. In October 2025, she released her single, ‘Unapologetically Me.’

Just weeks later, she joined the cast of I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here!, where she became a popular contestant. Shona lasted 22 days in the jungle before finishing in third place behind runner-up and Celebs Go Dating star Tom Read Wilson and winner, influencer Angry Ginge. The actress also showcased her vocal talents during Ronan Keating and Friends: A New Year’s Eve, performing alongside the singer during the BBC festive special last December.

Now, she’s preparing for another major role on stage. In April, Hastings’ White Rock Theatre confirmed that Shona will play Snow White in its 2026 pantomime production alongside former X Factor winner Matt Terry as Prince Henry. The show is scheduled to run from 12 December through to 3 January 2027.

Despite excitement surrounding Whitney’s comeback, Shona has already confirmed her appearance was temporary. In a video shared on EastEnders‘ official Instagram page, the actress could be seen wrapping filming after her brief return.

“So that is a wrap. First day and the only day back,” she said.

On-screen, developments also strongly suggest that Whitney’s future remains away from Walford as the character is now focused on building a life in Inverness with her daughters and new beau Reuben.

Still, a recent cryptic comment from Shona about future projects have fuelled speculation among fans. After her return aired, viewers became convinced she could be heading for the ballroom in the next season of Strictly Come Dancing.

Commenting online after filming wrapped, Shona teased followers by writing: “What a wonderful day I had. Stepping into those Whitney Boots again,” she wrote. “Keep watching Easties, and keep your eyes peeled on what I get up to next.”

She paired the message with a dancer emoji — something eagle-eyed viewers were quick to pick up on. Speculation immediately flooded the comment section, with one fan writing: “Good luck on Strictly!” Another added: “Looks like Strictly may be calling.” However, nothing has been confirmed as the BBC is yet to officially reveal the celebrity line-up for the 2026 series of the dance competition.