EastEnders has shared a sweet cast tribute to star Shona McGarty after her exit.

The actor’s final scenes as Whitney Dean aired last night (May 23) on BBC One, as the character decided to leave Walford for a fresh start in Wakefield with Britney and Dolly following Zack Hudson’s betrayal.

The official EastEnders Instagram account has now shared a smiling picture of Shona surrounded by cast mates, including Laila Morse (Big Mo), Jacqueline Jossa (Lauren), Zaraah Abrahams (Chelsea) and Natalie Cassidy (Sonia), among others.

“We’re just gonna leave this one right here…,” the caption reads.

Earlier this week, Shona shared a heartfelt message for fans amid her exit, as she tearfully spoke to camera.

“Hey guys. So this is a little message just to say I have of course been following Whitney’s journey this week and obviously it’s her last week, which has been really emotional to watch because I know it’s coming to an end,” she said.

After getting “a bit emotional”, she added in a second video: “Sorry about that. Got a bit emotional, which is understandable. I’ve been there 16 years.

BBC

“It has been really emotional, and I just want to say thank you for everyone who has ever supported Whitney ever, or even if you didn’t and gave me a hate comment. You know.

“I’m really excited for my future and for EastEnders‘ future too. It is at the heart of the nation.

“I haven’t got a chip on my shoulder about it, it was my decision. It has been a tough old paper round, and I have loved every minute of it.

“And who knows, the door is wide open and Whitney could come back in, in her high heels and really big earrings one day.”