EastEnders star Shona McGarty has spoken about her new role on Lorraine, where she discussed advice she was given by late co-stars Barbara Windsor and June Brown
Shona McGarty has divulged a bit of saucy advice she once got from a fellow EastEnders actress.
The 33 year old, who played Whitney Dean, has bid farewell to the beloved BBC One soap after a 16-year stint and is now treading the boards in a vastly different role.
Before her West End debut, Shona chatted with Ranvir Singh on ITV’s Lorraine about her glamorous new part as pin-up model Betty Page.
Describing her character as an “icon”, Shona hinted that her inspiration was “cheeky and naughty”, a woman who “took risks” to express her sexuality in the 1920s.
However, when the conversation veered towards her EastEnders days, Shona let slip a “cheeky and naughty” remark from one of her colleagues, reports Belfast Live.
Reflecting on the late actresses Dame Barbara Windsor and June Brown, Shona reminisced about their words of wisdom.
“I know that Barbara Windsor would be so proud of me taking on this role, because she always said to me, because I’m short and curvy, she said that I should do burlesque so I know she’d be proud.
“But one of the things June Brown said to me years ago, and I’m never quite sure what she meant, I asked, ‘What’s your secret to getting to 93?’ and she said, ‘A handful of nuts everyday’.”
Shona jested: “I don’t know what she meant, she was being cheeky! I have a few almonds every now and then.”
She then disclosed a stern warning she received from Dame Barbara: “Barbara Windsor told me off at a very young age for being late, and I was never late again.”
Shona revealed she’s leaving EastEnders, expressing her desire to “decided to spread my wings”.
Speaking to The Sun, she said: “I have loved my years in the show. I have been trusted with some incredible storylines and have made amazing friendships – and family – which will endure.”
On Instagram, she posted an emotional video, stating: “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.”She added: “I’m really excited for my future and for EastEnders’ future too, it is at the heart of the nation.”
Shona clarified: “I haven’t got a chip on my shoulder about it, it was my decision.”
Reflecting on her time on the show, she remarked: “It has been a tough old paper round, and I have loved every minute of it.”
She teased fans with the possibility of a return, saying: “And who knows the door is wide open and Whitney could come back in, in her high heels, and really big earrings one day.”