The EastEnders legend announces her first role outside of Walford after leaving the BBC soap

An EastEnders legend has announced her first ever acting role outside the soap.

Shona McGarty shocked Beeb viewers when she announced she had quit as Whitney Dean after 15 years.

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Her decision to leave EastEnders comes amid a cast shake-up by bosses.

With Shona’s exit set to air on television early next year, she is gearing up to shoot her final scenes.

And now the 32-year-old has revealed her brand new gig – set worldwide from Albert Square.

She is scheduled to star in Orchard West Theater’s “Beauty and the Beast” in December.

Shona has taken on the lead role and transforms into the character of Belle for the musical.

The Sun exclusively revealed Shona’s exit from EastEnders on Sunday.

At the time she said: “I have decided to spread my wings and am leaving EastEnders. I loved my years on the show.

“I’ve been entrusted with some incredible storylines and have made great friendships – and family – that will last.”

Shona’s exit from the soap is being kept secret for now.

Lorraine Stanley, 47 – who plays laundromat worker Karen Taylor – is made redundant after joining Albert Square seven years ago.

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