I’m A Celebrity star Shona McGarty’s personal health struggles and life away from EastEnders
Shona is known for playing Whitney Dean on BBC soap EastEnders
Shona McGarty is going to be on I’m A Celeb(Image: 2025 Shutterstock Editorial)
Shona McGarty is one of ten famous faces taking on the challenge of ITV’s I’m A Celebrity. Most viewers will recognise the TV star as Whitney Dean from BBC’s flagship soap EastEnders.
The character first appeared on EastEnders back in April 2008, She is the daughter of Bianca Jackson’s ex, Nathan Dean. When Nathan died, Bianca took Whitney under her wing. Her biological mum played very little part in her life.
Throughout her time on the soap, Shona’s character was involved in several major storylines in the long-running programme, including a landmark child sexual abuse plot soon after she joined aged 16. After over a decade in Albert Square, the actor announced in 2023 that she’d be leaving with her final scenes airing in May 2024.
Shona McGarty is going to be on I’m A Celeb(Image: 2025 Shutterstock Editorial)
Away from the character of Whitney, Shona leads a relatively private life. She doesn’t give too much away about herself but ahead of I’m a A Celebrity, the actress has opened up about her mental health struggles and reasons for taking part in the upcoming show.
Shona’s sister has taken over her social media page as campmates’ aren’t allowed devices in the jungle. An Australian-themed goodbye party to Shona was hosted before she left the UK, the caption of the post has offered an insight into Shona’s personal life. It said: “Anxiety and depression told her ‘no’ before… This time, she said YES.
“We wanted to share this beautiful moment saying our goodbyes to Shona before she heads into the jungle. Shona has always been open about her struggles with anxiety and depression, battles that once held her back. But this time, she’s won by saying yes to one of the biggest challenges of her life. Yes to the jungle. Yes to herself.” The supportive message continued: “This is a journey for Shona to truly discover who she is and she’s living proof that you can rise above fear and take back your power. To anyone fighting their own mental health battles, Shona is your reminder that you can do it too. One brave step at a time.”
Speaking about what she will miss most about the UK during her time in Australia, Shona revealed she will miss her bed and coffee, but admitted “not a lot”. The actress wants people to see the “real” her and what she is like outside of the fictional character of Whitney.
Shona McGarty, Eddie Kadi, Aitch, Alex Scott MBE, Jack Osbourne, Lisa Riley, Kelly Brook, Angry Ginge, Ruby Wax OBE and Martin Kemp – I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!(Image: 2025 Shutterstock Editorial/ITV)
Speaking to ITV, Shona shared that she wants to continue trying new things, and the opportunity of I’m A Celeb is one she didn’t want to turn down. She said: “I have always wanted to do I’m Celebrity because I am a massive fan of the show. 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.
“Everyone expects me to wear massive gold hoop earrings and have a ponytail whilst eating chicken nuggets. But I am nothing like that. I’m looking forward to using this experience to be completely myself,which nobody has seen.”
Shona also spoke about her fiance, David Bracken, ahead of the show. She said: “It will be the longest time my fiancé and I have been apart.” Shona met guitarist David two years ago after he got in touch through TikTok, asking if she’d like to duet on a song.
The 34-year-old claims that David had “no clue” about her EastEnders fame. David plays in an Irish band called Blessed and Shona loves to share her passion for singing by posting covers of songs on social media.
This year, Shona released her debut single “unapologetically me”, as well as starring in the title role of the West End hit ‘Bettie Page, Queen of Pinups’ and a guest starring role in Danny Robins’ ‘2:22 A Ghost Story’, Shona has turned her career focus to singing.
Speaking about the new song, Shona said: “I wrote ‘Unapologetically Me’ as a reminder to myself, and to anyone who’s ever felt pressure to be someone they’re not, that it’s okay to simply be who you are.
“Having spent years in the public eye, surrounded by glitz, glam, and expectation, I’ve often felt the need to play a character, to present a polished version of myself that fits what people want to see. But beneath all that, I’m just human, I’m silly, sensitive, strong, and imperfect, and that’s okay.”
Ahead of the new series of I’m A Celeb launching this evening, November 16, filming is already underway. Earlier this week, Shona was pictured parachuting onto an Australian beach, attached to an orange and grey parachute.
Im a Celebrity contestants Shona McGarty, Eddie Kadi, Martin Kemp, Kelly Brook and Aitch parachute onto a beach and meet Ant and Dec (Image: Tim Merry/Staff Photographer)
Shona has predicted she won’t enjoy any trial involving water and isn’t sure how she will feel having rats or spiders crawling over her. The famous eating challenge will also prove a test of character for the TV star.
The first episode will be broadcast on ITV1 at 9pm and will last 95 mins. The stars will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of last year’s star-studded cast, which saw McFly’s Danny Jones take home the title of King of the Jungle.
