BBC EastEnders legend 'gutted' as they're forced to pull out of panto hours before going on stage

ok.co.uk:

EastEnders legend Shona McGarty was forced to pull out of a highly anticipated panto performance this week, after the much loved actress was struck down by an unexpected illness.

The soap star, who is best known to fans for playing Whitney Dean in the BBC soap, was sadly forced to miss her performance in Beauty and the Beast at Dartford’s Orchard theatre on Friday 15 December, with Shona also expected to miss out on Saturday’s performance too.The “gutted” star was heartbroken to relay the news to fans on social media, as she admitted she had been struggling with a bug for the past few days.

Posting on Instagram, Shona wrote: "Guys...I've been feeling rough recently, as you know, and unfortunately have come down with the worst cold n flu symptoms and a really sore throat! "I did today's show, and got through it, but it was tough.

It's such horrid timing to be ill.Typical! During a panto run! Gutted!" The star even went on to apologise to fans that had been hoping to come and see her perform, as she admitted she was simply too ill to continue in the role until the illness had passed. "I'm so so sorry to anyone who's coming to panto to see me specifically tonight, but I've had to bow out of tonight's performance and possibly tomorrow's too.” Although the news was understandably bleak for fans that had purchased a ticket, Shona did reveal there was some hope on the horizon as she explained she was already on medication and hoping it helped to speed her way towards recovery.