'EastEnders': Shona McGarty on Whitney's future and more

EastEnders actress Shona McGarty recently had a chat with Digital Spy about the soap's dramatic Southend week.

For all the gossip on her character Whitney Dean coming face-to-face with Rob again, make sure to read our main interview with Shona.

If you've already seen the main piece, read on for some extra chat from the star about what's next for Whitney and more.

Do you think Whitney will struggle without Ryan around?
"Well, Whitney has still got people around but she's not related to them. She's actually not related to anyone on the Square - all she's got now is the kids, Pat, Fatboy and Lauren. I think Whitney also feels like she's being judged by everyone at the moment. What's interesting is that she's always worn a lot of jewellery, and after playing her for a little while now, I believe that is kind of her armour - that is her safety and it's almost a mask for her. She tries to seem strong and act like she doesn't care that so many bad things have happened to her, but that's a bit of a front."

Do you think Whitney has forgiven Carol yet, or is there still bad blood between the two of them?
"I think Whitney is so scared of being judged by Carol, but obviously Carol has got a past and the two characters have their own history with Connor. I don't think Whitney has quite forgiven that yet. I think Whitney will be polite to Carol, but it's very uncomfortable when they're together."

As you mentioned, Fatboy becomes a big support for Whitney in Southend. Do you think they work best as friends or could it become something more?
"I think it could become something more in the future, but I think the danger there is that they might ruin their friendship. Like I said, if someone shows Whitney a bit of affection, she thinks that they instantly love her. She's just craving love all the time, so there would be a danger of Whitney ruining her friendship with Fatboy."

We've seen some really nice scenes between Whitney and Lauren, so can we expect that friendship to be explored more?
"Yeah, definitely. I think Whitney and Lauren are going to be really, really good friends. But at the moment, I think Lauren is very closed-off. She would tell Whitney little bits of gossip and they'd have some teenage chat, but she perhaps wouldn't tell her about other stuff that's going on in her life. On the other hand, Whitney would tell Lauren everything that's going on - she likes to just get it out! Because Lauren is so closed-off, I'd really like there to be an emotional scene for Lauren and Whitney to strengthen that friendship. But they'll be friends for a long time, I'm sure."

After so many hard times for Whitney, would you like some happier storylines or do you prefer the more dramatic material?
"I've always really liked the dramatic stuff - it's a challenge, and I like a challenge because it's always really nice as an actress to do that. But at the same time, you can almost forget how to play happy scenes! (Laughs) At the moment, I am filming happier scenes for Whitney with Tyler and the young lot, which is really nice, because I'm trying to put a bit of comedy into Whitney. But I'm also trying to use that comedy as another part of Whitney's armour. Also, she's not wearing any jewellery at the moment - because of everything that's happened to her, she's almost forgotten to wear it. She's a bit different in what we're filming right now."

Have you enjoyed working with the new Moons?
"Yeah, they're great! They've really spiced up the show, I think. And I'm sure that the girls are going to absolutely love them! I think they're doing some really, really good stuff at the moment, and they're so nice to work with."

We know that Patsy Palmer is coming back later in the year, so are you looking forward to that?
"I can't wait! She sent me a little picture of her baby, but I haven't physically seen him yet, so I can't wait for that. It'll be great to have her back."

Pam St Clement is also part of your extended family on the show, so are you disappointed that she's bowing out?
"I am - but I'm not entirely sure how she's leaving yet, which as a viewer I'm really curious about! I really want to know what's going to happen. But I don't want her to go - it's going to be the end of an era, and the end of an earring! (Laughs) Maybe Whitney will start wearing big earrings and take her place! I'm sure that it'll be a great storyline coming up and some really emotional stuff. Pam's great - she's absolutely amazing."

Finally, is there anyone at EastEnders who you'd love to have more scenes with?
"I'd have to say Cheryl Fergison. We've had a few scenes together, but that was years ago. I think Heather is a great character. I think it'd be great for Whitney to be around someone who is genuinely nice, with no hidden agenda. Heather is really sweet, she means everything she says and I think she'd be great for Whitney to have a chat with. I also think she'd make Whitney laugh!"

> Read all of our EastEnders spoilers and news

Share your thoughts using the box below!