EastEnders Whitney star Shona McGarty reveals real reason for soap exit after 15 years

ok.co.uk:

One week on since revealing that she would be leaving EastEnders, Walford icon Shona McGarty has opened up about the reason to wave goodbye to the soap after 15 years on our screens.The 31 year told star, who is best known for playing Whitney Dean, was revealed to have quit last week, in a move that left fans of the actress devastated at the loss of such a popular character.

Keen to explain the reason behind the move, Shona sat down with Inside Soap to share her thoughts on her departure, but not before admitting that it hasn’t been an “easy” decision to leave behind so many of her friends and colleagues on the show.

She said: "It wasn’t an easy decision because I've made so many friends. I’ve seen people come and go, and meanwhile, Whitney has been one of the longest-standing characters. "I've had so much fun and done so many storylines, some of which have been sensitive, and I've been honoured to be trusted with such heavy stuff year after year. “So I'm going to be sad to say goodbye to my friends and family, but it was the right decision for me as I want to do other things.

After 15 years, I’ve had a pretty good run!” Shona first revealed the news of her departure last week, when she told The Sun on Sunday: “I have decided to spread my wings and will be leaving EastEnders.