As the nation prepares for the launch of this year's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, one contestant's past reveals she's no stranger to unusual antics. Shona McGarty, famed for playing Whitney Dean in BBC's EastEnders, was once escorted from an Asda supermarket and banned following a bizarre incident involving yoghurt.
The Supermarket Stunt That Shocked Shoppers
Back in 2012, the actress and her then-boyfriend, Hollyoaks actor Matt Lapinskas, were ordered to leave the Asda in Watford after being caught throwing food items around the aisles. Witnesses reported that the situation escalated when McGarty began "suggestively smearing" herself with yoghurt, causing distress to other shoppers, including families with young children.
A shocked witness told The Sun at the time: "It was disgusting. The man was opening up pots and looked as if he was throwing it around. Then the girl started to smear it over herself in a suggestive manner. I had my kids aged ten and nine with me and they certainly don't need to see that in the shopping aisles of Asda."
Asda's Response and Aftermath
Security promptly escorted the couple from the premises and informed them they were not welcome to return unless their behaviour significantly improved. An Asda spokeswoman commented on the incident, stating: "This isn't us being Albert squares. As with any customer found to be causing a ruckus in our stores, we politely asked the culprits to leave so they didn't offend other shoppers."
The supermarket stunt preceded McGarty's split from Lapinskas. More recently, the actress has experienced personal heartache, having split from her guitarist fiancé David Bracken, to whom she became engaged in July 2024. While McGarty hasn't publicly confirmed the end of her engagement, she has been photographed without her engagement ring, including in snaps announcing her jungle adventure.
A New Jungle Challenge Amid Personal Growth
McGarty's participation in I'm A Celebrity marks a significant personal milestone. In a candid video on her Instagram, managed by a close friend while she's in the jungle, she opened up about her mental health journey. The caption revealed that she has struggled with anxiety and depression, which previously held her back from such opportunities.
The post stated: "Anxiety and depression told her 'no' before… This time, she said YES... 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."
It described her jungle experience as a journey for McGarty to "truly discover who she is" and positioned her as "living proof that you can rise above fear and take back your power." The message concluded with encouragement for others facing similar battles, emphasising that recovery happens "one brave step at a time."
Since leaving EastEnders over a year ago, McGarty's popularity on social media has grown, and she has been developing her music career. Her entry into the jungle is set to introduce her to a whole new audience, far beyond Albert Square.
