‘I DON'T LIKE WATCHING MYSELF!'

Well it’s a good job the rest of the country does, Shona McGarty! Here the EastEnders star looks back over 12 years on the Square

- Sarah Morton

As troubled Whitney Dean in EastEnders, Shona McGarty has shed more than her fair share of tears. From abusive relationships to her recent hunger strike storyline, the poor mite always seems to be in some sort of turmoil.

But we’re pleased to report it’s a very different story behind the scenes. After 12 years on the soap, Shona, 28, has no plans to leave her happy workplace, and in the forthcoming episode of Secrets From The Square she looks back fondly over past storylines and memories of her time in Walford.

Shona will be joining fellow castmate Natalie Cassidy, who plays Sonia Fowler, and host Stacey Dooley for the trip down memory lane. But before that, she tells new all about growing up with Patsy Palmer and Babs Windsor, which iconic character she believes is the best ever, and what’s next for Whitney…

What stood out for you the most when you watched the old clips on Secrets From The Square?

I’ve cried a lot in the show [laughs]. There weren’t many happy storylines that I noticed. I don’t like watching myself – I wanted to hide behind a cushion! For me personally, it was interesting to be reminded of what Whitney was like at the start and how she came into the show [with the Butcher clan]. It was nice – there were some scenes I’d completely forgotten about, so it was really nice to see them.

What is your earliest memory of EastEnders?