Shona McGarty, widely recognized for her role as Whitney Dean on BBC’s EastEnders, is stepping into the spotlight once again by participating in the latest series of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! The 34-year-old actress, who hails from London, expresses a desire to separate her identity from her beloved character as she embarks on this new adventure.
Shona McGarty’s Transition from EastEnders
Since debuting in EastEnders in 2008, Shona developed a deep connection with her character, Whitney Dean, the adopted daughter of Bianca Jackson. After 16 successful years, she bid farewell to Walford in May 2024 to explore new professional avenues.
- First appeared on EastEnders: 2008
- Final appearance on EastEnders: May 2024
- Duration on the show: 16 years
- Award: British Soap Award for Best Newcomer (2009)
Reflecting on her exit, Shona commented, “It was a really difficult decision… but life is short, and you feel that more and more as you get older.” She is now eager to discover her voice beyond the character that has defined much of her career.
Life After EastEnders
Since leaving EastEnders, Shona has begun to explore different opportunities, including the music industry, where she recently released a single titled “Unapologetically Me.” This project marks a significant step in her quest for personal and professional growth.
Shona McGarty in I’m A Celebrity
In her candid discussions about I’m A Celebrity, Shona expressed her excitement about participating. She aims to reveal her true self beyond the expectations that have surrounded her for years. “I want to use this experience to be completely myself, which nobody has seen,” she stated.
Joining her in the ITV program are fellow soap stars, including Martin Kemp from EastEnders and Lisa Riley from Emmerdale. The series is hosted by Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly, providing a platform for Shona to showcase her personality.
Shona McGarty’s Personal Life
On the personal front, Shona has experienced notable changes in her romantic life. She was engaged to electrician Ryan Harris from late 2018 until their amicable split in 2020. Shona explains, “We just grew apart… it fizzled out.”
Following her engagement, Shona dated her EastEnders co-star Max Bowden for approximately six months, ending their relationship in October 2022. Afterward, she stated, “We’re actually better than ever… It’s a friendship.”
Recently, in 2024, Shona became engaged to musician David Bracken but has since ended the relationship due to differences in their aspirations.
Shona McGarty’s journey from EastEnders to her latest ventures in music and reality television illustrates her commitment to evolving as an artist and individual. Fans eagerly await her appearance on I’m A Celebrity, set to premiere on November 16, 2025.
