EastEnders star Shona McGarty looked nothing like her famous character Whitney in a video shared with Instagram followers on Wednesday.
The typically dark-haired actress, 32, revealed a dramatic transformation by debuting a striking blonde look.
Known for tying her jet black hair in a severe bun as Whitney on the soap, fans were shocked into thinking she had dyed her hair – with others sure it was a wig.
Posting a video of her blonde locks on social media, she said: ‘Maybe blondes do have more fun?’
In the caption, she penned: ‘”A blonde walks into a bar…. ” Make up and hair by the extremely talented @charlicaisleymakeup.’
EastEnders star Shona McGarty looked nothing like her character Whitney in a video shared on her Instagram on Wednesday
Posting a clip debuting her blonde locks on social media, Shona said: ‘Maybe blondes do have more fun?’
Fans were quick to share their opinion on the new look, with many loving the soap actress as a blonde.
‘Blonde really suits you I love it!!’ one person wrote, while another said: ‘Bonnie Tyler eat ya heart out.’
Meanwhile, another fan compared the actress’s look to another character from the soap.
‘Sharon’s long lost sister ❤️x,’ they penned, noting a resemblance between Shona and the Queen Vic landlady.
But not all fans were convinced by the transformation.
One less-than-impressed fan wrote: ‘Ohhh… I want to love it…but…hmmm…brunette all the way for me,’ while another said ‘No way much better darker.’
And others were hoping the look was synthetic, with one saying: ‘But it’s just a wig..thankfully’.
‘I hope this is a wig,’ another added in agreement.
Fans were quick to share their opinion on the new look, with many loving the soap actress as a blonde
Meanwhile, another fan compared the actress’s look to another character from the soap
One less-than-impressed fan wrote: ‘Ohhh… I want to love it…but…hmmm…brunette all the way for me’
And others were hoping the look was synthetic, with one saying: ‘But it’s just a wig..thankfully’
Shona’s new look comes after her character Whitney was spotted wearing a baby bump as the actress filmed her final scenes on the BBC soap earlier this month.
She revealed last year that she would be quitting the soap after portraying Whitney for 15 years, after joining at the age of 16 in 2008.
The actress is set to give her character a dramatic send off with a shocking pregnancy storyline.
She seemed in high spirits as she wrapped up in a long brown padded coat with a fur edging and carried a hot water bottle as she filmed scenes.
She showed off her growing baby bump in and fitted black and white dress which she teamed with tights and boots.
Whitney Dean has been spotted wearing a baby bump as actress Shone McGarty filmed her final scenes on the BBC soap
Shona, 31, revealed last year that she would be quitting the soap after portraying Whitney for 15 years, after joining at the age of 16 in 2008
In the scene, Whitney was seen carrying two large tote bags as she spots a young girl bin diving for food. She attempts to stop the girl before she makes a run for it.
Speaking to The Sun on Sunday about her decision to leave Albert Square, Shona said: ‘I have decided to spread my wings and will be leaving EastEnders. I have loved my years in the show.’
A source told the publication that the decision ‘wasn’t easy decision’ but that Shona feels now is the right time to ‘try something new.’
They added: ‘She is hoping the door will be left open for her character to return one day, but nothing is guaranteed and it is all in the hands of the scriptwriters.’