EastEnders' Whitney Dean is set for an "intense dramatic showdown" with Leo King.

Shona McGarty at the NTAs

Shona McGarty at the NTAs

The Albert Square resident - played by Shona McGarty - has been left petrified in recent weeks after Leo (Tom Wells) started stalking her, and he takes things a step too far in the lead up to Valentine's Day, which will culminate in a huge bust up.

Shona said: "She's been oblivious that Leo is in her loft which is just terrifying. The week ends with a very intense dramatic showdown."

The actress admits her alter-ego is concerned about what Leo - the son of Whitney's predatory stepfather Tony King (Chris Coghill) - is "capable of", and says recent events have been "horrible" for her character.

She added to RadioTimes.com: "She's constantly looking behind her, it's just horrible.

"Everybody's stressed to her how much danger she is in and she trusts her family and friends. She is worried about what he's capable of."

Shona recently admitted Whitney will reach "a dark place" in the coming weeks, and the 28-year-old star 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.

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."