EastEnders legend in talks to join Dancing On Ice after leaving Albert Square in major cast shake up
EASTENDERS legend Shona McGarty is getting her skates on after leaving the BBC soap after 15 years.
Insiders said the actress, who played Whitney Dean, is in talks for ITV’s Dancing On Ice.
It would be Whitney’s first major job away from EastEnders.
A source said: “Shona is a great name for Dancing On Ice and she is on ITV’s wish-list.
“She is a huge talent and a very well-known name – and to walk off EastEnders and straight onto their rival channel’s biggest show would be a huge coup.
“Shona is in the running for a stint on the ice when the show begins in January but it’s all early dates.
“A number of stars who are being courted for the next series are already practising on their local rinks to make sure they have the basics down.
“Snaring Shona would be massive for ITV and they would love her to come on board.”
Alongside Shona, 31, pop star Jesy Nelson has been approached about taking part, along with This Morning’s Sharon Marshall and Team GB javelin legend Tessa Sanderson.
The Sun revealed Shona had been culled from Albert Square last week amid a shake-up of the cast.
She had played troubled Whitney for 15 years and picked up the role aged just 16.
Shona said: “I have decided to spread my wings and will be leaving EastEnders.
“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.”
A source close to Shona added: “Shona is really looking forward to new projects and expanding her career horizon.
“It will be exciting to get her teeth into something new after so long playing one character.
“As well as acting, Shona loves singing and has a real musical talent, so that is one of the options available.”
Shona’s character Whitney has had a rollercoaster life since arriving in Albert Square in 2008 as the adoptive daughter of Bianca Jackson, played by Patsy Palmer.
Whitney was sexually abused at 12 by Bianca’s fiancé, suffered sexual exploitation, killed her stalker, been married once and engaged three times.
In 2016 Whitney suffered a miscarriage and, more recently, her unborn baby was diagnosed with life-limiting condition Edwards syndrome.