EastEnders’ Shona McGarty ‘plans to do Strictly Come Dancing despite turning down the offer before’

EastEnders star Shona McGarty ‘plans to do Strictly Come Dancing after co-star Maisie Smith’s success – despite turning down the offer before’

EastEnders’ Shona McGarty has revealed her hopes to star on Strictly Come Dancing following the success of her co-star Maisie Smith, despite turning down the opportunity in the past. 

The actress, 29, confessed she previously declined the offer to appear on the BBC show due to ‘nerves and anxiety’, while praising Maisie’s, 19, stint on the 2020 series. 

Shona, who plays Whitney Dean in EastEnders, said in this week’s New! magazine: ‘I want to do a skydive and I’d like to do Strictly. I was asked to do it, but nerves got the better of me.

Take centre stage: EastEnders’ Shona McGarty has revealed her hopes to star on Strictly Come Dancing following the success of her co-star Maisie Smith, despite previously turning down the opportunity

‘As I’ve grown up, I’ve realised that the anxiety that I suffer from, which stops me from doing things, is all in my head.

‘I’m doing more things now that I used to be afraid of, such as live interviews. I know I am on a huge soap, but if I make a mistake, I can do it again. With a live interview or Strictly, you only get one shot.’

Her co-star, who plays Tiffany Butcher, made it to the final in last year’s series alongside her professional dance partner Gorka Marquez. 

According to Shona, the EastEnders star has been encouraging her to appear on the show, but she will have to wait at least two years before being offered the opportunity again. 

Applause: The actress, 29, confessed she previously declined the offer to appear on the BBC show due to 'nerves and anxiety', while praising Maisie's, 19, (pictured) stint on the 2020 series

Applause: The actress, 29, confessed she previously declined the offer to appear on the BBC show due to ‘nerves and anxiety’, while praising Maisie’s, 19, (pictured) stint on the 2020 series

She added: ‘Maisie keeps telling me to do Strictly and I would love to, although she absolutely smashed it and I said to her that I’ll have to wait two years now before I do it.’

MailOnline have contacted Strictly Come Dancing and Shona’s reps for comment.  

Earlier on Tuesday, the actress hinted that her character Whitney will get a ‘happily ever after’ exit from Walford with Kush.

Whitney and Kush’s (Davood Ghadami) romance has been slowly simmering with Kush recently moving in with her.

The duo have grown close in recent months after she helped him hide out following his disastrous involvement in the Mitchells’ car heist – with the fallout ultimately bring about the end of his relationship with Kat Slater. 

Kush is now expected to leave Albert Square after he attends court to confess to the Mitchells’ crimes, as he previously agreed to take the fall in hopes of securing a huge payout for his ex-partner Kat.

But the market stall trader begins to have second thoughts after building a promising romance with Whitney and getting engaged, shortly before the trial. 

The final details of Kush’s looming court case, exit storyline and future with Whitney remains a closely guarded secret until the revealing new episodes.  

Twist exit: Earlier on Tuesday, the actress suggested her character Whitney Dean will get a 'happily ever after' exit from Walford with her love interest Kush

Twist exit: Earlier on Tuesday, the actress suggested her character Whitney Dean will get a ‘happily ever after’ exit from Walford with her love interest Kush