Former EastEnders star Shona McGarty has made a huge announcement about her career.

Shona left her role as Whitney Dean in the BBC soap last year, 16 years after her debut.

Her exit storyline saw her leave Albert Square after discovering partner Zack Hudson’s (James Farrar) infidelity with best friend Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa).

She cut ties with him and mother figure Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer), after realising that she had known about the fling.

Over the years, Whitney was at the centre of some huge EastEnders storylines.

One of her first major storylines saw her suffer a devastating ordeal as she was sexually abused by stepdad Tony.

Later down the line, she faced a terrifying stalking ordeal, went on trial for murder, and tragically lost her baby, Peach.

Since leaving the show, actress Shona has starred in stage play 2:22 A Ghost Story, as well as doing Panto over the Christmas period.

Away from acting, Shona also loves singing. She’s shown her talent off quite a bit over the years, and recently decided to take the plunge and record a brand new original single.

Sharing the news that the song will be out at the end of this month, Shona’s Instagram post also features a small teaser of lyrics.

The star wrote in the caption: ‘IM SO EXCITED, that my new original single “Unapologetically Me” is out 30th October!! It’s all about owning who you are! no more hiding, no more holding back! It’s time to live life loud, proud, and unapologetically.’

Shona’s friends and co-stars flocked to the comments to share some kind messages about her amazing news.

James Farrar said: ‘Let’s go 🫡’.

Diane Parish, who plays Denise Fox in the BBC One soap wrote: ‘Here she is!! Come on @shonabmx Incredible, what we’ve all been waiting for!’.

Jacqueline Jossa was full of love for her pal and said: ‘Yes beautiful girl. I love this.’

‘I would absolutely go back to EastEnders – it’s 16 years of creating a family, I grew up on that show,’ she told The Sun previously.

‘I’ve got a really good relationship with EastEnders, the doors open but at the moment not yet.’