How Old Is Shona McGarty? The EastEnders Star’s Age and New Chapter

Introduction: The Question Everyone’s Asking

As Shona McGarty competes on the twenty-fifth series of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, fans are curious about the actress who captured hearts for 16 years on EastEnders. Born on 14 October 1991, Shona is currently 34 years old, having recently celebrated her birthday just before entering the jungle. Her journey from teenage soap star to mature actress and singer represents a significant chapter in British television, and understanding her age provides context to her remarkable career trajectory.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born in the London Borough of Barnet, McGarty is of Irish descent and began her performing career at a young age. She was involved in amateur musical theatre for six years before landing her breakthrough role. She first played Whitney Dean in 2008 when she was just 18, joining the BBC soap opera that would define her career for nearly two decades. Her early storylines tackled difficult subjects, with McGarty requiring her parents’ permission for a sexual abuse storyline when she was 16.

Life After EastEnders

In July 2023, McGarty announced her departure from EastEnders after fifteen years, with her final scenes airing in 2024. Now 34, she has embraced new opportunities beyond Albert Square. In October 2025, McGarty released a single ‘Unapologetically Me’ and became a contestant on the twenty-fifth series of I’m a Celebrity. The reality show has generated significant interest, with viewers watching her open up about mental health struggles and personal growth whilst forming friendships in the Australian jungle.

Conclusion: A New Chapter at 34

At 34 years old, Shona McGarty represents a generation of actors who grew up on screen, transitioning from teenage roles to mature careers. Her decision to leave the comfort of EastEnders demonstrates courage and ambition, as she pursues music and explores reality television. For fans who watched Whitney Dean navigate life’s challenges for 16 years, seeing Shona McGarty forge her own path is both poignant and inspiring. Her age marks not an endpoint but a new beginning, proving that reinvention is possible at any stage of one’s career.