EastEnders’ Shona McGarty breaks down in tears ahead of Whitney’s final episode as she insists exit was ‘my decision’

EASTENDERS star Shona McGarty broke down in tears ahead of Whitney's final episode as she thanked fans for their support.

The BBC soap is saying goodbye to Whitney Dean this week after 16 years.

Her character is going out with a bang - after giving birth to baby Dolly and walking down the aisle to marry Zack Hudson (James Farrar).

But the wedding went spectacularly off the rails when their foster daughter, Britney, revealed he had cheated on her with best mate Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa).

Shona, 32, took to Instagram on Wednesday night and broke down in tears, before apologising to fans.

She said: "Sorry about that, got a bit emotional which is understandable I've been there 16 years.

"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.

"I'm really excited for my future and for EastEnders' future too, it is at the heart of the nation.

"I haven't got a chip on my shoulder about it, it was my decision.

"It has been a tough old paper round, and I have loved every minute of it.

"And who knows the door is wide open and Whitney could come back in, in her high heels, and really big earrings one day."

Shona is gearing up to take her talent to the stage.

She will be taking the baton from Cheryl Tweedy and is set to play Jenny in 2:22: A Ghost Story for it's run in Dublin.

Shona, 32, will be joining Once Upon a Time's Colin O'Donoghue, Laura Whitmore and Strictly's Jay McGuinness.

The theatre show follows the story of Jenny and her husband Sam (Colin), who believe their house is haunted - which becomes the topic of conversation with their dinner guests, Lauren (Laura) and Ben (Jay).

The stint will take place at Dublin 3Olympia Theatre and will run from June 20 to August 11.