EastEnders' Shona McGarty wants to become a pop star.
Shona McGarty
The 24-year-old actress - known for playing Whitney Dean in the long-running soap - is hoping to carve out a career in the music industry as she gears up to release her debut single this summer after three years of secret recording.
The insider said: "This is a big deal for Shona. Despite becoming one of the most popular stars in 'EastEnders', she has longed to be known for her music too.
"It's scary showing the public another side of her and she knows there will be a lot of pressure."
The brunette beauty, who considers herself a jazz performer, has been working alongside Swedish singer Axel Jansson and is expected to drop their single 'Easy As A Dream' later this summer through Warner Music Group.
Speaking to The Sun newspaper, the source said: "Axel has really inspired her to try.
"She loves the music they've been making together and is now ready for everyone to hear it."
However, if Shona's pop career does manage to take off at a successful rate, it's believed she may be forced to turn her back on her soap career to focus full-time on music.
The insider added: "It's unclear whether this means she'll be leaving Whitney behind to pursue singing full-time but it would definitely be tricky trying to jungle both."
Meanwhile, Shona - who has appeared on 'EastEnders' since 2008 - has never lacked confidence when it comes to music as she previously claimed she has the ability to adapt her voice to any kind of genre.
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