An EastEnders guest star has paid tribute to Shona McGarty, as she prepares to leave the soap after 16 years playing Whitney Dean.

Whitney’s exit comes as she and partner Zack Hudson plan their wedding and prepare to welcome a baby together, with Whitney unaware that Zack has cheated on her with Lauren Branning.

The presence of Britney further complicates matters for Whitney, after she took in the troubled youngster by paying her mum Keeley to foster her.

Whitney’s friends and family recently discovered the truth about how Britney came to live with the couple, after Whitney told them she legally fostered her.

Khi Shona chuẩn bị  say goodbye to the show Kirsty Curtis, who plays Keeley, shared an emotional goodbye message for her co-star.

Sharing behind-the-scenes photos of the pair on her Instagram page, Kirsty said she’s “proud” to call Shona her friend and said she was “buzzing” to be able to act alongside her.

“Shinty McGinty! @shonabmx ❤️ What can I say… you girl are a superstar and I couldn’t have asked for a more talented, passionate, hard working actor to have been my on screen partner/rival for @bbceastenders, she wrote.

“You are the most beautiful person inside and out and I am proud to now call you my friend.

“I have watched you on screen for the last 16 years and have witnessed you execute the most beautiful and brutal scenes as Whitney Dean, so I was buzzing when I was asked to be a part of your exit story to have the chance to act with you on the best soap there is,” Kirsty added.