BBC EastEnders’ Shona McGarty in tears as she faces the ‘most challenging decision of her life’
Shona McGarty, who plays Whitney Dean on BBC’s EastEnders, is heartbroken over the death of her adorable dog Coco Chanel. She had to make the tough choice to end her suffering.
Shona McGarty, known for her role in EastEnders, has opened up about a heartbreaking decision she had to make recently. The 32-year-old soap star took to Instagram to share a series of photos in memory of her cherished dog, Coco Chanel. Sadly, due to Coco’s declining health, Shona made the difficult choice to put her down.
In an emotional Instagram post, Shona expressed her sorrow, admitting that tears streamed down as she typed the words. She announced the painful decision, saying, “Today, I’ve had to face one of the toughest choices. My beloved furry companion, Coco Chanel, will be put to rest at 3.30 pm.”
“Coco has battled heart failure for years. I’ve exhausted every possible avenue—treatments, medications—but sadly, they’re no longer effective. My resilient darling has reached a point where she’s had enough. Despite her illness, she still showers me with kisses on the nose. I’ve been absent, engrossed in a pantomime for six weeks, yearning for her intensely. However, over this past week, her condition has notably worsened.
“Both I and her younger sister, Cece, will deeply miss Coco’s cheerful countenance and those captivating, soulful eyes. My beloved ‘Coco bean,’ my playful ‘Coco Loco,’ thank you for the most wonderful ten years of my life. You’ve been privy to all my fears, anxieties, and secrets. You’ve been my rock through some of the most challenging times. You’ll always hold a special place in our hearts. I love you… x”
Fans swiftly extended their sympathies, expressing sentiments like, “I’m deeply sorry. She’s incredibly resilient, and so are you!” Another offered, “My condolences on your sad news. Our animals are always there, offering unconditional love without judgment.”
Shona, who has portrayed Whitney Dean in EastEnders since the age of 16, will bid farewell to the show this year. Speaking to The Sun on Sunday, she revealed, “I’ve chosen to explore new horizons and will be departing from EastEnders. My time on the show has been immensely fulfilling. I’ve been entrusted with remarkable storylines and forged enduring friendships – they’re like family to me.”
