Actress Shona McGarty has officially traded the familiar cobbles of Albert Square for the insect-infested depths of the Australian jungle. The EastEnders star is a confirmed campmate for I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! 2025, joining fellow celebrities including rapper Aitch and former England footballer Alex Scott in the quest to be crowned King or Queen of the Jungle.
Before her departure, McGarty shared her thoughts on the challenges ahead, stating, "I don't mind spiders, but I've never had lots of little hairy fellas crawling all over me." As viewers watch her face bushtucker trials and camp life, here is a comprehensive look at the life and career of the beloved soap star.
From Walford to the Wilderness: Shona's Acting Career
Shona McGarty is overwhelmingly known for her portrayal of Whitney Dean in the long-running BBC soap opera, EastEnders. She first stepped onto the Square in 2009 at the age of 18 and dedicated 16 years to the role until her departure in 2024.
Her exit storyline saw Whitney leave Walford with her mother Bianca and her two daughters to begin a new life. Explaining her difficult decision to leave, Shona told Fabulous magazine, "It was a really difficult decision, because it’s all I’ve ever known. I pretty much grew up on the Square." She added that she felt the need to be brave and explore new opportunities within the industry, marking a new chapter in her life.
Beyond Albert Square, her acting credits include the 2007 short film 'What Goes Around'. Since leaving EastEnders, she has also focused on her musical talents, releasing her second single, 'Unapologetically Me', and starring as Bettie in 'Bettie Page Queen of Pin-Ups The Musical' earlier this year.
Shona McGarty's Personal Life: Age and Relationships
Born on 14 October 1991, Shona McGarty is currently 34 years old. Her first acting credit predates her EastEnders fame, dating back to 2007 when she was just 17.
In her personal life, Shona got engaged to Irish musician David Bracken in July 2024. However, recent reports indicate the couple called off their engagement shortly before she entered the jungle. A source revealed, "They are on amicable terms, but have ended their romantic relationship... Shona is now focusing on her music and career."
Prior to her relationship with David, Shona was engaged to electrician Ryan Harris in 2018 after a six-year relationship. She has also dated her EastEnders co-stars Matt Lapinskas, between 2011 and 2013, and had a brief relationship with Max Bowden in 2022.
What's Next for the Star?
With her I'm A Celebrity 2025 stint now underway, a national audience will get to know Shona McGarty beyond her character. Her participation marks a significant step in the new career path she envisioned after leaving the security of EastEnders.
Fans can follow her journey on the ITV reality show and keep up with her on Instagram under the handle @shonabmx.
