EASTENDERS fans have been reduced to tears over a hidden detail in Whitney Dean’s exit scene.
The character, who is played by Shona McGarty, revealed last year she had quit the soap after 15 years.
As her exit and wedding approached, she was left devastated to discover how Zack Hudson had cheated on her with Lauren Branning.
Despite the big day being called off at the altar, it appeared the couple could fix things.
However, Whitney broke the news to Zack that she was going to move to Wakefield – and take their baby Dolly and her foster daughter Britney with her.
Crushed at the news, he let slip how her mum Bianca knew about the affair all along.
It led Whitney to revoke Bianca’s invitation to Wakefield as she broke the news to the Queen Vic of her imminent departure.
In emotional scenes, Walford locals walked Whitney to the bus stop to start her new life as EastEnders’ special theme played out.
Eagle-eyed viewers saw Britney wearing Whitney’s cap – the exact same one she wore during her very first episode in 2008 – as they departed Albert Square.
Taking to social media, one said: “It’s the way the episode ended. The little Easter eggs, Britney wearing Whitney’s cap. Whitney quoting Bianca from when they first came on the square. What an ending #Eastenders.”
A second wrote: “Ahhhh the ending had me in such crazy tears literally grew up watching Whitney gonna miss her so much #Eastenders.”
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THE beloved British soap has been captivating audiences for decades.
EastEnders follows the lives of the residents of Walford as they navigate love, loss, family drama, and community struggles.
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“Honestly didn’t expect to get so emotional watching tonight’s episode It really does feel like the end of an era seeing Whitney leave though. Such a nice send off for her, especially loved Britney wearing the same cap Whitney wore when she first arrived,” said a third.
While a fourth commented: “Of course I cried because the Julia’s theme is EMOTIONAL and Whitney really is a legend on this show. I’m so upset. #Eastenders.”
EastEnders continues BBC One and iPlayer.
