26 February 2024 , 20:00
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EastEnders fans will be in for a surprise as the BBC One soap is set to air two special episodes following Whitney Dean, played by Shona McGarty, during her time in Milton Keynes.
Viewers will recall that Whitney was seen leaving Walford alongside her partner Zack Hudson back in January following their unexpected pregnancy and to visit Bianca in Milton Keynes after learning she had split from her partner Terry. Whitney and Zack decided they needed to visit Bianca after bosses confirmed Patsy Palmer would be making a brief return to the show to coincide with Whitney's exit.
However, in the upcoming double special, soap watchers will learn that their stay has been anything but smooth sailing and the episodes will cover five weeks' worth of storylines. The episodes will see Whitney grow concerned for the well-being of a child on Bianca's estate.
EastEnders fans will be in for a surprise as the BBC One soap is set to air two special episodes following Whitney Dean, played by Shona McGarty, during her time in Milton Keynes (BBC/Jack Barnes/Matt Burlem)Yet in true soap style, Whitney quickly finds herself embroiled in drama after she learns that Britney has not attended school since 2020, and is therefore considered a "Ghost Child" by her absence from the education system. Covering five weeks' of storylines, viewers will see Whitney attempt to intervene in Britney's troublesome familial situation.
However, it's not long before things escalate after a showdown with Britney's mother causes the young girl to flee. In the double special, Lola Campbell, who rose to fame in 2023 following her debut role in the BAFTA-nominated film Scrapper, joins the EastEnders cast to take on the role of Britney.
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Talking about the storyline and exciting special episodes, Executive Producer, Chris Clenshaw, said: "We’re thrilled to welcome the immensely talented Lola Campbell to the cast of EastEnders as she takes on the role of Britney. The special episodes, which coincide with Patsy Palmer’s return, will showcase five weeks’ worth of storyline as we follow Whitney and Zack during their time in Milton Keynes, but it’s not long before the pair are thrust into the heart of the drama after Whitney grows concerned for Britney’s wellbeing."
Actress Shona, 32, has played Whitney on the hit BBC One soap since 2008 and she is set to leave Albert Square later this year after more than 15 years in Walford. Meanwhile, the special episodes will air on Monday 4 March and Tuesday 5 March.
EastEnders airs every single Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. *Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on , , , , , and .