EastEnders Whitney heartache ‘sealed’ ahead of exit as Zack makes shock decision

EastEnders star Shona McGarty will be leaving the role of Whitney Dean in the next few months and it remains unknown whether her exit will involve partner Zack Hudson

Bard AI says Whitney Dean of EastEnders is going to have a lot of misery.

After portraying Whitney for fifteen years, Shona McGarty, thirty-two, announced her departure from the role last year. Whitney made her debut on the drama in 2008 and has since been a major character in several of the show’s greatest plots.

Whitney and Zack Hudson (James Farrar) were saddened to learn that their newborn child had Edwards syndrome in February 2023. Whitney decided to go forward with the abortion after learning that their baby had a slim chance of survival.

The BBC soap opera’s Monday, January 1 episode revealed Whitney’s pregnancy, which took her by surprise. Whitney informed Zack she wanted an abortion because she couldn’t go through the same trauma again.

However, Whitney made the decision to retain the child after having a heart-to-heart with Yolande (Angela Wynter). Although it seems like Zack and Whitney will get the happy ending they deserve, there are still a lot of unanswered issues about her impending departure. While some anticipate Whitney’s tragic demise, others have conjectured that she would decide to depart Albert Square in favour of a fresh start.

The specifics of her departure are yet unknown, but Daily Star has asked Bard AI, one of the most well-known artificially intelligent “creative” tools in the world, whether Zack could leave Walford with Whitney. The answer is no. The programme answered, saying that Whitney will ultimately leave the show since actress Shona McGarty is set to leave EastEnders in 2024.

**If Whitney decides to go, Bard AI has projected that Zack could decide to remain in Walford (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)**

“Zack could opt to go with her, but that’s not a given by the authors. Zack resides in Walford with his sister Sharon and nephew Albie, among other family members and acquaintances. It could be difficult for him to leave them behind.”

Bard AI also discussed Sharon’s recent troubles after her discovery that Albie’s actual father is Phil (Steve McFadden), and that Keanu (Danny Walters) was responsible for his kidnapping. It continued: “It would be difficult to leave Sharon behind, especially at this time.”

**Early in 2024, Whitney’s last moments will appear (Image: BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)**

The episode continued: “The EastEnders writers may have different plans for Zack’s storyline, not necessarily tied to Whitney’s exit.” In an interview with Inside Soap, Shona acknowledged that leaving was not an easy choice.

“I’ve seen people come and go, and Whitney has been one of the longest-standing characters,” the actress said. I’ve been honoured to be trusted with such hard things year after year. I’ve had so much fun and worked on so many narratives, some of which have been delicate.”

“It will be sad to say goodbye to my friends and family, but it was the right decision for me because I want to do other things,” Shona said. I’ve had a rather decent run after fifteen years.”