Shona McGarty Joins I’m A Celebrity After EastEnders Exit

Shona McGarty, renowned for her role as Whitney Dean on the BBC soap opera EastEnders, is set to participate in this year’s series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! The 34-year-old actress is making a significant transition, having recently exited her long-running role on the show after 16 years.

Joining McGarty in the jungle is fellow actor Martin Kemp, known for his portrayal of Steve Owen in EastEnders, along with Lisa Riley, who is temporarily stepping away from her role as Mandy Dingle in Emmerdale. The new season of the reality series, hosted by Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly, premieres on November 16, 2024.

In an interview with ITV, McGarty expressed her eagerness to demonstrate her true self, apart from the character that has defined much of her acting career. “I have always wanted to do I’m A Celebrity… because I am a massive fan of the show,” she stated. “Now that I have left EastEnders, I want to do other things. I’m finding my voice and who I am away from the script and character that I grew up playing.”

McGarty’s journey on EastEnders began in 2008 when she debuted as Whitney Dean, the adopted daughter of Bianca Jackson, portrayed by Patsy Palmer. Over the years, her performance earned her critical acclaim, including the British Soap Award for Best Newcomer in 2009. Whitney Dean’s final appearance aired in May 2024, marking the end of an era for McGarty, who described her decision to leave as a challenging yet necessary step.

Discussing her exit, McGarty shared with The Sun, “It was a really difficult decision because it’s all I’ve ever known. I pretty much grew up on the Square, so I feel like I’m leaving home. But I had to put on my big girl pants and be quite brave, because life is so short.” She emphasized the importance of exploring new opportunities in the entertainment industry, stating, “All things come to an end, and this is the new chapter of my life.”

Since departing from EastEnders, McGarty has ventured into music, releasing her single Unapologetically Me last month, which received favourable reviews.

On a personal note, McGarty was previously engaged to electrician Ryan Harris, who proposed on her 26th birthday in October 2018. Their engagement ended amicably in 2020, as they mutually decided they had grown apart. “Nothing bad happened, it was all very amicable,” she explained.

Following her engagement, McGarty was linked to her EastEnders co-star Max Bowden, who played Ben Mitchell. Their relationship lasted approximately six months and concluded in October 2022 after the birth of Bowden’s child with his former partner. Reflecting on their friendship, McGarty remarked at the British Soap Awards in 2023, “We’re actually better than ever. It’s a friendship; we’re in such a good place.”

In 2024, McGarty became engaged to musician David Bracken, whom she met in 2023. However, reports indicate that the couple has recently ended their relationship due to differing aspirations, deciding they are “better off as friends.”

As she embarks on this new chapter, Shona McGarty looks forward to showcasing her authentic self on I’m A Celebrity, aiming to break free from the expectations tied to her former character. The upcoming series promises to be an exciting opportunity for her to redefine her public persona.