Maisie Smith pays tribute to Shona McGarty on 30th birthday while showcasing their dancing skills

Maisie Smith wished her former EastEnders castmate Shona McGarty a happy 30th birthday with a sensational TikTok video on Thursday.

The former Strictly contestant, 20, and Shona put their spectacular dancing skills on display as they busted a move to Doja Cat’s Woman.

Shona, who plays Whitney Dean, synchronised her moves with Maisie as they had a blast during a break from shooting the BBC One soap.

‘Happy Birthday to my big sista! 30 is just the beginning baby girl,’ she sweetly wrote in her caption.

The post comes after Maisie recently announced she would be quitting her role as Tiffany Butcher.

Maisie has appeared on the show for 13 years, after joining at the age of six in 2008, but decided to leave after reportedly getting a number of big money offers for other projects.

Delightful duo: Maisie and Shona met while filming EastEnders and have remained close friends since (pictured in 2019)

She said: ‘It’s time to say farewell to Tiff! I’ve grown up on EastEnders since 2008, and have learnt from the best over the past 13 years.   

‘I’m very excited for my next challenge and thank the BBC for the opportunity they gave me as a six-year-old.’

EastEnders’ Executive Producer Jon Sen added: ‘We are all very sad to see Maisie leave.

Spectacular: Shona, who plays Whitney Dean, synchronised her moves with the red-haired beauty as they appeared to be having a blast during a break from shooting the BBC One soap 

‘She’s been a wonderful company member during her time at EastEnders and it’s been a privilege to see her blossom into the star she is.

‘She has created an iconic character in Tiff and the door is always open to her return. We wish her all the very best for her future projects.’

The Sun have reported that Maisie chose not to renew her contract this time because she looked to pursue other projects elsewhere.  

Co-stars: Maisie and Shona star together in EastEnders, but Maisie recently revealed she will be quitting her role as Tiffany Butcher

Maisie has reportedly previously been offered six-figure deals with clothing and beauty brands following her successful Strictly stint, however her contract with the BBC meant she had to decline them. 

Maisie finished runner-up on Strictly Come Dancing last year after competing with professional Gorka Marquez, 31.

The star won Best Dramatic Performance from a Young Actor or Actress at the British Soap Awards in 2008, a year after joining EastEnders.

She has been involved in a number of key storylines on the soap, including a shocking grooming plot in 2019.

Maisie’s contract previously prevented her from appearing on other shows but she told The Sun last year she was keen to try other things.

She said: ‘In the future I want to try new things and I want to play new characters.’

The soap star’s final scenes are yet to air.

EastEnders continues on Monday on BBC One at 8.05pm. 

Twinkle toes: Maisie finished runner-up on Strictly Come Dancing last year after competing with professional Gorka Marquez, 31