Shona McGarty and Ryan Harris have split.
The pair announced their engagement at the start of 2018, but the \'EastEnders\' actress - who plays Whitney Dean in the BBC One soap - has confirmed they have gone their separate ways because it "wasn\'t meant to be".
She said: "We just grew apart. Nothing bad happened, it was all very amicable. We were together for a long time, but it just wasn\'t meant to be.
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"I\'m not ready to date anyone else at the moment and I think it\'s really important to have some time by yourself.
"As I\'ve got older it\'s refreshing because I no longer care what people think of me any more. I\'m definitely older and wiser."
The 28-year-old star has loved growing up on \'EastEnders\', having starred as Whitney since 2008.
Speaking to the Daily Star newspaper, she added: "\'EastEnders\' has been a great place to grow up. I\'ve been so lucky to have so many wonderful people around me.
"I feel great. I\'m 28 and I\'m in a good place.
"I still pinch myself - I only thought I\'d be in it for a couple of episodes and here I am all these years later.
"I\'m really happy and it\'s the best place to work."
And Shona could remain in Albert Square for many episodes to come after it was recently reported \'EastEnders\' bosses are keen to sign her up on a three-year deal.
A source said: "Kate has big plans for her character Whitney but Shona hasn\'t signed a new deal yet.
"She\'s in a strong position to get a pay rise and a good deal because Kate has put so many plans around her character.
"They want to get her on a three-year deal."
27 November 2025 - 6:19 AM
