Former EastEnders star Shona McGarty has paid tribute to a ‘beautiful soul’ after being left ‘shocked and heartbroken’ by his death.
The Whitney Dean actress took to Instagram to share a photo of herself with friend Dylan, who sadly passed away last Friday.
‘What a truly kind, caring, funny, and warm soul he was. Dylan had that rare gift of lighting up every room he walked into, always with a big smile and, more often than not, a song to sing,’ she wrote beside the picture.
‘He brought so much life, laughter, and love to the Pull Inn in Offaly, and I feel so lucky to have shared so many happy memories with him there. Those moments will stay with me forever.’
She continued: ‘God rest your young, beautiful soul, Dylan. How I love ya. You will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
Sending all my love, thoughts, and strength to Dylan’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. Wrapping you all in so much love and hugs.’
Shona was inundated with support from followers in the comments.
‘I’m so sorry for your loss thinking of you Shona and Dylan’s family my thoughts and love are with you all,’ one wrote, while another said: ‘I’m so, so sorry for your loss darling. May your dearest friend rest in eternal peace.’
EastEnders fans will best know Shona as Whitney Dean, who was a resident of Albert Square from 2008 until 2024.
During that time, she had some major storylines, including being abused by step-dad Tony, suffering a stalking ordeal and becoming a foster parent.
Ahead of her exit, she discovered that fiancé Zack Hudson (James Farrar) had cheated on her with best friend Lauren Branning (Jacqueline Jossa) during their wedding ceremony.
When she found out that Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) had known about Zack’s infidelity, she decided to leave Walford to stay with brother Ryan.
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Since leaving the BBC soap, Shona has appeared on I’m A Celebrity: Get Me Out of Here, and has released a new single called Unapologetically Me.