Kirsty Curtis, an EastEnders star, has paid tribute to Shona McGarty, who will soon leave the BBC One soap after 16 years.
Kirsty plays the role of Keeley in the show. She is Britney’s (Lola Campbell) troubled mother and paid Shona’s character Whitney Dean to take the young girl off her hands.
Most recently, Whit’s friends and family discovered the truth about Britney after she initially span a lie about her being legally fostered.
Alongside this storyline, we also know Whitney and Zack (James Farrar) are busy planning their wedding, but poor Whitney remains unaware Zack has cheated on her with Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa).
We know that this narrative will eventually lead to Whitney departing Albert Square. Ahead of this, Kirsty has taken to Instagram to write a sweet message to Shona.
Alongside a variety of behind the scenes images and videos of the two soap stars, Kirsty wrote alongside:
‘Shinty McGinty! @shonabmx ❤️ What can I say… you girl are a superstar and I couldn’t have asked for a more talented, passionate, hard working actor to have been my on screen partner/rival for @bbceastenders You are the most beautiful person inside and out and I am proud to now call you my friend.’
She added: ‘I have watched you on screen for the last 16 years and have witnessed you execute the most beautiful and brutal scenes as Whitney Dean, so I was buzzing when I was asked to be a part of your exit story to have the chance to act with you on the best soap there is. ✨
‘The world has known you as Whitney Dean, but now it’s time for Shona McGarty to take over! 🔥 Can’t wait to see you smash it✨ You have the biggest future ahead of you Shinty, no 1 fan girl right here! Your energy is infectious & working with you was just magic every second. Thank you for being so welcoming and making me feel right at home.’
‘Defo made a friend for life. ❤️’
Recently, Kirsty also dedicated an Instagram post to two of her other co-stars – James Farrar and Patsy Palmer (Bianca Jackson).
She called James her ‘mate from the manor’, in the message, while also saying it’s ‘madness’ to share a screen with the ‘icon’ that is Patsy Palmer.
Elsewhere, in an interview with The Sun, actress Shona McGarty confessed the reason for her departure is to take on other roles before she is ‘too old’.
‘It was a really difficult decision, because it’s all I’ve ever known. I pretty much grew up on the Square, so I feel like I’m leaving home’ she began.
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‘But I had to put on my big girl pants and be quite brave, because life is so short, and you feel that more and more as you get older.
‘There are other opportunities and areas of the industry I want to explore before I get too old! All things come to an end and this is the new chapter of my life.
‘So although it was a big decision, once I’d made it, I was quite resolute that this was something I had to do. I mean, 16 years is amazing. I’ve had a really good run and Whitney needs a break.’
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