Shona McGarty says EastEnders' Whitney Dean will reach "a dark place" in the coming weeks.

Shona McGarty at the NTAs

Shona McGarty at the NTAs

The 28-year-old star has teased fans that her character - who she has played since 2008 - is going to be really tested in the near future, and she is relishing "being busy" on the BBC One soap.

She said: "Whitney's definitely going to reach a dark place - there's a lot of things that are going to test her.

"I just love being busy, I love being there.

"Obviously I can't say, but it's all very exciting there's a lot to look forward to."

One character will meet their maker later this year as part of the show's 35th anniversary celebration episodes, and Shona predicts the mystery star will "do very well" away from Albert Square.

Speaking to Digital Spy at the National Television Awards, she added: "It's just one of those things unfortunately.

"It's just part of making a story but yeah, it was sad to see that person go. But you know, they're going to do very well outside I think."

Shona - who recently confirmed she has split from her fiance Ryan Harris - previously admitted she is in a "good place" and has loved growing up on the soap.

She said: "'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."