Shona McGarty quit her role as Whitney Dean last April after 16 years on the soap, and is now getting ready to star in a new West End production

Former EastEnders favourite Shona McGarty is stepping into a new chapter of her career, and says the late Dame Barbara Windsor would have been behind her every step of the way. During an appearance on Lorraine this morning (June 4), Shona spoke about her upcoming role in Bettie Page, Queen of Pin-Ups – The Musical.

Ranvir Singh pointed out the striking similarities between Barbara’s glamorous EastEnders character and Shona’s new part, saying: “It’s funny, of course, we think of Babs, and we think of the role you’re about to play now. There are some similarities there – of being the pin-up, being brave, owning your sexuality.”

Shona admitted that the legendary actress had always been one of her biggest supporters, adding: “I know that Barbara Windsor would have been so proud of me taking on this role. She always said to me, because I’m short and I’m curvy, she always said I should do burlesque. So I know she’d be proud.”

Shona McGarty thinks late Dame Barbara Windsor would have been proud of her new West End role(Image: ITV)

In Shona’s upcoming West End venture she will play American model Bettie Page in a new biography-musical that audiences can come see from June 9.

The show will run for one night only at London’s Lyric Theatre and promises to delve into the life of the 1950s icon, through the medium of original songs and hits from the 50s and 60s. It will explore Bettie’s rise to fame and her impact on pop culture and feminism.

Shona is best known for playing Whitney Dean in EastEnders ever since she joined the soap at the age of 16. She left the BBC series in April last year after 16 years on set.

The EastEnders actress shared that Barbara Windsor previously encouraged her to do burlesque(Image: BBC)

This marked the end of an era where Whitney faced many emotional storylines, tackling serious issues like grooming, domestic abuse, and pregnancy loss. Shona was praised for her sensitive portrayal of the character throughout these hard-hitting topics.

Since leaving Albert Square, Shona has kept herself busy exploring other avenues of entertainment. She has spent time in the recording studio, performed live music, and even presented an award at the Beauty Awards in November. Some of the singles she has released include A Change is Gonna Come, Rock with Rudolph, and Let It Be.

After her soap exit, Shona told The Sun that it was difficult to leave EastEnders, but she felt like it was the right decision. The actress shared: “It was a really difficult decision because it’s all I’ve ever known. I pretty much grew up on the Square, so I feel like I’m leaving home.

“But I had to put on my big girl pants and be quite brave, because life is so short, and you feel that more and more as you get older. There are other opportunities and areas of the industry I want to explore before I get too old! All things come to an end and this is the new chapter of my life.”