EastEnders star Shona McGarty has ‘reprised’ her Whitney Dean role for an ‘unhinged’ new show.
The Whitney Dean actress has appeared as special guest star of a drag cabaret celebrating 40 years of EastEnders.
EastBenders took over the Clapham Grand on Thursday, March 27, promising to be ‘a chaotic, camp, and utterly unhinged drag cabaret tribute to 40 years of London’s most iconic soap’.
And judging by the photos, it was just that!
With the Clapham Grand transformed into the Queen Vic, some of the UK’s best drag and cabaret talent gave their interpretations of some of EastEnders’ most iconic storylines and scandals.
Legendary characters like Sharon Watts, Vanessa Gold, Pat Butcher and even the Queen Vic bust were brought to life on stage, with audience members told pre-show to ‘get ready for high-drama, big earrings, and duff-duff moments galore’.
As well as performances, audience members took part in a costume competition with a ‘legendary prize’ awarded to the best EastEnders themed costume and a charity raffle which benefitted the East London Out Project.
The drag and cabaret artists were joined by Shona for a special one-night-only performance.
‘We got some photos back – so let’s give it up for the INCREDIBLE cast of last week’s biggest and best Benders we’ve ever done’ they wrote on Instagram.
They also teased that another event could be in the works – but it’s not yet known whether Shona will be on board.
Shona left her role as Whitney Dean in the BBC soap last year, 16 years after her debut.
Her exit storyline saw her leave Albert Square after discovering partner Zack Hudson’s (James Farrar) infidelity with best friend Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa).
She cut ties with him and mother figure Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer), after realising that she had known about the fling.
Over the years, Whitney was at the centre of some huge EastEnders storylines.
One of her first major storylines saw her suffer a devastating ordeal as she was sexually abused by stepdad Tony.
Later down the line, she faced a terrifying stalking ordeal, went on trial for murder, and tragically lost her baby, Peach.
Since leaving the show, actress Shona has starred in stage play 2:22 A Ghost Story, as well as doing Panto over the Christmas period.
The actress hasn’t entirely ruled out a return to the soap, revealing that she would be up for reprising her role in the future.
‘I would absolutely go back to EastEnders – it’s 16 years of creating a family, I grew up on that show,’ she told The Sun in November.
‘I’ve got a really good relationship with EastEnders, the doors open but at the moment not yet.’
This article was originally published on 12th March 2024.
If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you.
Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage.
