Former EastEnders actor Shona McGarty, best known for playing Whitney Dean for 16 years, is embarking on a completely new challenge as she enters the jungle for I'm a Celebrity 2025.
Breaking Free From Television Persona
McGarty has revealed that one of her primary motivations for joining the reality show is to break free from the public's perception of her being similar to her on-screen character. She feels people often stereotype her based on Whitney Dean, a persona she states doesn't reflect her true self.
The actor is genuinely excited about using her jungle experience to be completely authentic, believing the public hasn't yet seen the real Shona McGarty away from the Albert Square backdrop.
Preparing for Jungle Life
McGarty hasn't taken her preparation lightly. In anticipation of the physical demands of jungle life, she has been strategically consuming carbohydrates to build energy reserves.
She has also been attempting to practice sleeping in a hammock at home, though mastering this particular skill has proven challenging outside of the Australian rainforest environment.
The actor views her time in the jungle as an opportunity for a personal reset, specifically mentioning she hopes to shed weight and detox from her usual diet while facing the famous Bushtucker Trials.
A New Chapter After EastEnders
This move marks a significant new chapter for McGarty, whose departure from EastEnders after 16 years concluded a major era in her professional life. Her participation in I'm a Celebrity represents a conscious effort to redefine her public identity and career trajectory.
The official I'm a Celebrity 2025 trailer has confirmed McGarty as one of this year's contestants, generating considerable excitement among fans of both the soap and the reality series. Her journey will be closely watched as she attempts to find her own voice beyond the character that made her a household name.
