In a dazzling, one-night-only tribute to EastEnders history, Shona McGarty made a surprise return to the spotlight—not on Albert Square, but on stage. The actress, beloved for her portrayal of Whitney Dean, stunned fans with a guest performance at “Biggest and Best Benders,” a wild drag cabaret at the Clapham Grand celebrating 40 years of soap history. With the Queen Vic recreated in campy glory and characters like Pat Butcher and Sharon Watts reimagined by the UK’s top drag artists, the night was a storm of high drama, glitter, and nostalgia.

Shona’s appearance comes just a year after her dramatic exit from the show. Whitney walked away from Walford after discovering fiancé Zack’s betrayal with her best friend, and feeling doubly betrayed by Bianca’s silence. Her farewell was heartbreaking, capping 16 years of intense storylines, including sexual abuse, murder trials, and the tragic loss of baby Peach. Yet now, Whitney’s legacy burns brighter than ever—and this surprise comeback has fans asking: is a full soap return on the horizon?

Offscreen, Shona has found success in the stage thriller 2:22 – A Ghost Story and festive pantomimes, but her own words hint she’s not done with Walford just yet. “The door’s open,” she confessed recently. As the drag tribute’s producers tease another show, the soap world waits—because when Whitney returns, chaos isn’t far behind.