Shona McGarty: New Music Career and I’m A Celebrity Journey

7 December 2025 Music and Entertainment

From Walford to the Jungle: Shona McGarty’s New Chapter

Shona McGarty, best known for her portrayal of Whitney Dean in the BBC soap opera EastEnders from 2008 to 2024, is embarking on an exciting new phase of her career. After announcing her departure from EastEnders in July 2023 after fifteen years, the actress is now making headlines for two significant ventures: her debut music single and her appearance on the popular reality show I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!

Launching a Music Career

McGarty has launched her new singing career with her debut single ‘Unapologetically Me’, which was released in October 2025. The song was co-written by the actor and produced by legendary music producer Steve Anderson, who is known for his work with pop icons Kylie Minogue and Britney Spears. The empowering anthem celebrates authenticity and self-acceptance, themes that resonate deeply with McGarty’s personal journey after years in the public eye.

I’m A Celebrity Adventure

McGarty became a contestant on the twenty-fifth series of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! shortly after releasing her single. The show has proven to be a transformative experience for the actress, allowing her to showcase her personality beyond her famous EastEnders character. As the show approaches its finale, Shona McGarty is now the 10/1 frontrunner to be eliminated, though she has impressed viewers with her growth and performances in the jungle.

Romance Rumours and Public Interest

McGarty’s time in the jungle has sparked considerable attention, particularly regarding romance rumours with rapper Aitch, 25, which started when he admitted he had a ‘soft spot for Shona’. The speculation has intensified as viewers noticed their chemistry throughout the series. Reports surfaced that McGarty and her former fiancé David Bracken had gone their separate ways, with a source stating, ‘They both wanted different things and are better off as friends’.

Looking Forward

Whether or not McGarty secures a place in the I’m A Celebrity final, her journey represents a bold step forward. Having left behind the security of a long-running soap role, she is actively pursuing new creative opportunities in music and entertainment. Her willingness to embrace vulnerability and authenticity—both in her music and on reality television—demonstrates an artist committed to personal growth and professional evolution. For fans who watched her grow up on EastEnders, this new chapter offers an opportunity to see Shona McGarty as herself, unapologetically.