EastEnders star Shona McGarty was left in tears during Monday night’s episode of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! as she opened up about her battle with anxiety
Former EastEnders star Shona McGarty is currently take part in I’m A Celebrity(Image: ITV)
I’m A Celebrity’s Shona McGarty was overcome with emotion as she burst into tears whilst discussing her struggles with anxiety.
The actress, 34, is amongst the ten celebrity contestants who have ventured into the jungle as the ITV reality programme returned to our screens.
The star, who rose to fame at just 16 when she landed the role of Whitney Dean in BBC’s popular soap EastEnders, revealed she’s determined not to let her mental health struggles “ruin” her jungle experience.
During Monday’s (November 17) episode, emotions ran high when fellow campmate Jack Osbourne proposed holding daily morning meetings to monitor everyone’s wellbeing.
Gathered around the firepit, the celebrities took turns sharing their feelings in a heartfelt circle. But it was Shona who became tearful as she revealed her vulnerable side whilst discussing her anxiety battle, reports the Express.
Shona McGarty broke down in tears on I’m A Celebrity(Image: ITV)
Clearly emotional, the actress confessed: “I’m emotional already. I’m just really happy to be here too.”
Wiping away her tears, she added: “If we are being really open and honest, I just really don’t want my anxiety to ruin it. It is really going to be a good experience.”
Campmate Aitch quickly offered his encouragement, saying: “And it won’t. It’s normal to feel like that.” Sports presenter Alex added her support: “You’re not alone because you’ve got us.”
In a touching exchange, Shona remarked: “You all seem like a great family.”
Later, whilst in the Bush Telegraph, Lisa commended Shona’s openness, stating: “Shona has been so beautifully open about her anxiety and she has been suffering.”
The actress is among the ten famous faces who have entered the jungle(Image: itv)
This marks another instance of Shona opening up on her mental wellbeing, having previously discussed her struggles just days prior to her jungle entrance.
During that conversation, she revealed how concealing her feelings as a young entertainer had negatively impacted her, though she credited both medication and therapy as tremendously beneficial.
Speaking to The Sun newspaper, she shared: “It’s been horrible. It’s been quite hard sometimes, and I’m sure a lot of people can relate.
“Being in an industry at such a young age, when people ask you, ‘Are you OK?’, you have to say you’re fine. That was the way I was taught. You just say, ‘fine’ and you fake it till you make it, kind of thing.
“But that can take its toll on you, and I think it did. I’ve had a little bit of therapy, I take anxiety and depression medication, which has really helped me.”
I’m A Celebrity continues tonight at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX
