Whitney Dean (Shona McGarty)

EastEnders star Shona McGarty has revealed the inspiration behind her style change.

McGarty, who plays Whitney Dean in the Albert Square serial, said that co-star Patsy Palmer has helped her mature.

The 19-year-old told the Daily Mail: "My style has really changed since I started on EastEnders.

"I'd never go out now in the tight, short, busty things I used to wear. When you're younger, you think you need to show off all this flesh, but you don't.

"I've learnt from people like Patsy. She used to show all her bits off when she was my age, but she's grown up, too."

McGarty's alter ego Whitney is currently involved in a love triangle storyline with Tyler Moon and Fatboy Chubb.

EastEnders star Shona McGarty has revealed that she is pleased to have more "emotional" scenes on the way as Walford's Whitney Dean.

The actress confirmed that there will be more turbulent times ahead for her troubled character in upcoming episodes.

In recent months, Whitney has tried to move on from her ordeal with evil Rob Grayson by embarking on a relationship with Arthur 'Fat Boy' Chubb (Ricky Norwood). However, she is also harbouring feelings for Tyler Moon, played by Tony Discipline.

Asked what is coming up for Whitney, McGarty told What's On TV: "Another emotional rollercoaster - as usual for Whitney, I think! But you'll have to watch it."

Discussing her darker plotlines, she continued: "I don't mind [them]. As an actress, I like the challenge of a dramatic storyline. But if I get a comedy scene, I find it very difficult to do it, actually. I prefer the crying to the laughing!"

McGarty also paid tribute to former co-star Pam St Clement, who made her final appearance as Albert Square legend Pat Evans on New Year's Day.

She said: "I think she's going to be truly missed. It's not going to be the same without her, I think. She's such a legendary character."

EastEnders continues tonight at 7.30pm on BBC One.

EastEnders bosses have dismissed claims that Shona McGarty is quitting the soap.

Newspaper reports today (May 11) have suggested that the actress wants time away from her role as Whitney Dean to pursue a singing career.

The speculation began after McGarty told the Daily Star: "I love Motown music and singing has always been a passion of mine. It's a real dilemma as I love acting but I also want to sing. I want to do something with music."

However, an EastEnders spokesperson told Digital Spy this morning: "There is absolutely no truth in the report that Shona has quit EastEnders."

A Walford insider added: "Shona is a great singer and this is perhaps something that she would like to pursue in the future. However, she is really happy at EastEnders and has no plans to leave the show."

McGarty has been playing Whitney since 2008.

Shona McGarty has been suspended from EastEnders for four weeks, it has been confirmed.

The 20-year-old, who plays Whitney Dean on the Walford soap, was punished after being previously warned about her persistent lateness to arrive on set, according to the Daily Star Sunday.

She was reportedly told of her suspension personally by EastEnders executive producer Lorraine Newman, who was said to have "read the riot act" to McGarty after the actress's behaviour irritated cast members and crew.

A BBC source revealed to the paper: "Shona failed to turn up on time on more than one occasion and was really laid back about why she was late. People are understanding when it's once or even twice but her lateness was becoming a huge problem.

"It regularly held up the filming of vital scenes and angered fellow cast and crew members who were forced to work late because of her. Like all soaps, everyone works long, hard days so when things are prolonged because of one person it doesn't go down well on set.

"There were a lot of unhappy people so Lorraine had no choice but to take action. Shona was read the riot act and apologised for her behaviour. Obviously, she's not happy about what's happened and was quite upset about it all afterwards."

An EastEnders spokesperson also confirmed: "Shona has been suspended for repeatedly being late."

McGarty was previously reported to have got herself into trouble after throwing yoghurt around in a branch of Asda in March, along with boyfriend and co-star Matt Lapinskas (Anthony Moon)

They should fire her has been a useless character since the end of the Tony storyline and no point of her without Bianca

Totally agree, why keep characters that don't bring much entertainment value???
More like Kim and AJ, least you get a chuckle with those!!

EastEnders star Shona McGarty has spoken about her recent suspension.

The actress - who plays Whitney Dean in the BBC soap - was suspended without pay in July for repeated lateness.

The 20-year-old returned to work three weeks ago, apologising for her unprofessional behaviour.

She stated that she is aware of her "luck" in having a role in such a popular soap, and that she vows to improve her working life.

"Being suspended made me realise how lucky I am to be in such a loved show – I've really learned my lesson," she told the Daily Star.

"I'm just going to stay in from now on instead of going out all the time and I'm going to try to be good.

"I think I'll buy a big alarm clock with bells on so I'm never late again."

McGarty said that her co-star Patsy Palmer helped her get through her time away from the soap.

"It's like a massive family at EastEnders and everyone supports each other.

"Patsy is my biggest rock, she was really there for me and helped me through it."

The actress teased that her character Whitney will feature in some big plots in the near future.

"It's great being back because I've really enjoyed getting my teeth into some new storylines," she said.

"Whitney is a troubled character but she's got some happiness and naughtiness coming up."

Former EastEnders star Barbara Windsor recently criticised the lateness culture on the soap.

EastEnders' Whitney Dean is to cheat on her fiancé Tyler Moon with Joey Branning, in an upcoming storyline.

Viewers will see Whitney (Shona McGarty) end up in bed with Joey (David Witts) after one too many drinks, the Daily Star reports.

However, the following morning Whitney will be racked with guilt over cheating on Tyler (Tony Discipline) and tells Joey they must forget their one-night stand.

An EastEnders insider said: "Whitney will feel terrible after she cheats on Tyler with Joey. She loves Tyler and doesn't know why she did what she did.

"Whitney and Joey are two of the soap's most popular young characters and the fallout will be huge if this gets out."

The source continued: "Whitney is really going to struggle with her guilt. All she wants to do is come clean. It's going to be an emotional time for her."

It was recently reported that Tony Discipline is leaving the show after two years of playing Tyler.

Discipline will film his final scenes later in the summer.

EastEnders continues Thursday, June 27 at 7.30pm on BBC1.

Quote:

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"Whitney and Joey are two of the soap's most popular young characters and the fallout will be huge if this gets out."

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Really? She must become preggers so

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