Former EastEnders actress Shona McGarty has swiftly secured a high-profile new role with the BBC, mere days after her departure from the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! jungle. The 34-year-old, who captivated the public to finish in third place, will now join the broadcaster's star-studded New Year's Eve celebrations.
From Jungle Camp to BBC Stage
Shona McGarty will perform West End show tunes as part of BBC One's festive lineup, titled Ronan & Friends. The special will be hosted by Boyzone legend Ronan Keating and feature other famous faces including singers Calum Scott and Louise Redknapp. This marks a rapid return to the BBC for McGarty, who played Whitney Dean on EastEnders for an impressive 16 years.
Her jungle journey concluded with a respectable third-place finish, behind winner AngryGinge and runner-up Tom Read Wilson. However, her time in camp was also punctuated by speculation about a potential romance with fellow contestant, rapper Aitch (Harrison Armstrong).
Setting the Record Straight & Embracing a New Mindset
Addressing the rumours directly on the Hits Radio Breakfast Show, McGarty clarified the nature of their bond. "He's great, still my little brother!" she shared, describing Aitch as hyper and fun. "He hasn't been round for karaoke yet, but it's on the cards," she added, playfully dismissing any suggestion of a relationship.
More significantly, McGarty opened up about the profound impact the jungle experience had on her mental health. She confessed to the Daily Mail that prior to entering, her life was dominated by digital distraction. "Before I came in here, I couldn't even sit on the toilet without scrolling on TikTok," she revealed, noting how it affected even conversations with her parents.
Determined not to "let the anxiety win," McGarty found an unexpected therapy in the jungle's lack of technology. She is now advocating for others to adopt a similar digital detox. Her advice is heartfelt and practical:
- Put your phone away and spend quality, undistracted time with loved ones.
- Eat food that makes you happy and cut out alcohol, caffeine, and excess sugar.
- Embrace being "completely present."
"For me, [this] was a real part of the therapy in [the jungle] and I really recommend it for anyone," she stated, before joking, "Maybe not the jungle [though]." She credited her open conversations with campmates, who she now considers "friends for life," for helping her through difficult days and fostering a better understanding of anxiety.
A Bright Future Ahead
Shona McGarty's post-jungle trajectory highlights a remarkable personal and professional reset. By landing a coveted spot on the BBC's New Year's Eve programme while championing a message of digital mindfulness and mental wellness, she is stepping into 2024 with a powerful new platform. Her journey from Walford to the Welsh jungle and now to a BBC spectacular underscores her resilience and enduring appeal.
