Shona Bernadette McGarty (born on 14 October 1991 in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, England, United Kingdom) is an English actress best known for her role in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, as Whitney Dean.

Before joining EastEnders, she had been involved in amateur musical theatre for six years, the group was named ‘Traffic Lights’, and later joined the drama school ‘Young stars’ where she played the Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland, and Wizard of Oz, in which she played Glinda the Good Witch. In July 2012, McGarty was suspended from EastEnders by acting executive producer Lorraine Newman “for repeatedly being late for filming.”

On 4 May 2009, it was announced that Shona had been nominated for ‘Best newcomer’ at the British Soap Awards. A storyline involving Shona as the main part was nominated for ‘Best single episode’ as well as ‘Best Storyline’, these nominations were unsuccessful.

McGarty attended St.Teresa’s Primary RC School in Borehamwood. She is currently in a relationship with fellow cast member Matt Lapinskas. In March 2012, McGarty and Lapinskas were asked to leave an Asda supermarket after they smeared McGarty “suggestively” with yoghurt whilst shopping. She attended Loreto College, St Albans.

2013 British Soap Awards, Manchester, May 18 '13

2013 British Soap Awards, London, May 24 '14

 

National Television Awards, London, Jan 21 '15

 

 

Daily Mirror and RSPCA Animal Hero Awards, London, Sept 7 '16

 

British Soap Awards 2017, Manchester ,June 3,2017

 

''Eastenders'' promoshoot

Kieron McCarron photos