The mother of I’m A Celebrity contestant Shona McGarty has spoken publicly for the first time about the budding jungle romance between her daughter and rapper Aitch, describing him warmly as a “lovely boy.” Jennifer, a retired school business manager, revealed that her favourite moment of the show so far has been the now-viral pillow fight between Shona and Aitch—a playful exchange that ended with Aitch wrapping his legs around her daughter in a cheeky wrestling-like move that viewers couldn’t stop talking about. The moment, which showcased their growing chemistry, quickly became a fan favourite and added fuel to ongoing speculation that the pair may be developing more than just a friendship.
Jennifer expressed her delight at seeing Shona, 34, looking genuinely happy again following a difficult period marked by a recent breakup and personal struggles. Speaking to The Sun, she said, “I am loving it – she has relaxed into it now which obviously makes me really happy. I enjoyed the pillow fight and seeing her fun side coming out. That’s what makes me happy – to see that she’s being her natural self and I can see she’s really enjoying it and savouring it, which is great.” She added that viewers were seeing the joyful, mischievous version of Shona her family has always known and loved.
Aitch, 25, had already hinted at his feelings when he told fellow campmate Angry Ginge that he had a “soft spot” for Shona. Their interactions have strengthened those suspicions. Last week, Aitch was seen cuddling her and holding her hand as they watched a trial together. Then came the moment that really set social media alight: the pillow fight in the “losers’ camp,” Doomsville. Shona couldn’t stop laughing as she repeatedly hit Aitch with a pillow, and Aitch responded by playfully trapping her in a leg lock. At one point she giggled, “Why are your thighs so strong?” sparking further excitement from fans who have been closely following their flirtation.
Jennifer believes the pair have a natural connection. “I think they are very similar characters. They’ve both got that playfulness,” she said. “He is a lovely boy. We would definitely invite him over for dinner.” When asked whether she thought a romance was on the horizon, Jennifer said she feels the two will become “great mates,” but she left the possibility open, adding, “Who knows.”
Both Shona and Aitch recently exited relationships before entering the jungle. Aitch, whose real name is Harrison Armstrong, split from girlfriend Lois Cottam ahead of the show. Shona ended her engagement to guitarist David Bracken, 38, and opened up before entering the jungle about a five-year struggle with anxiety and depression. For Jennifer, seeing her daughter emerge from such challenging experiences with renewed energy and joy has been heartwarming. “I am so proud of her, I really am,” Jennifer said. “She looks like she is having so much fun. Because we know her so well, we can see that it’s completely genuine. I hope she stays in to show more of her fun side and her real personality.”
Shona has also shown off her humour in camp. Last week, she snuck an air freshener out of a dunny during a Bushtucker Trial and brought it back to camp to help with the smell. She later surrendered it during a contraband amnesty prompted by ex-Lioness Alex Scott being caught seasoning food with salt. Jennifer said she wasn’t at all surprised by her daughter’s antics. “It’s in her nature. She used her initiative, and it was for the good of all. She would always steal my perfume and makeup when she was younger, and she still does now. She even nicks my anti-wrinkle over-60 cream – not that she needs it. I actually have a Sharpie pen to mark all my stuff with the word ‘Mum’ – just in case she picks it up ‘accidentally’.”
Shona’s transition from a long-running soap career to a more multifaceted entertainment path has also been a source of pride for her family. She left her role as Whitney Dean in EastEnders in 2023 after 16 years on the show to pursue her passion for music. Last month, she released her debut single, Unapologetically Me, which has been well received. Her powerful voice has stunned both campmates and viewers, especially during a storm when she belted out “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers. Jennifer shared her daughter’s musical origins, saying that Shona never attended a stage school and has never had a singing lesson. “She was always singing. She was seven when I first realised how good she was,” Jennifer recalled. A primary school teacher once rewarded students with jelly beans for singing or reciting a poem, and Shona surprised everyone by standing up and performing “Amazing Grace.” Jennifer said she hadn’t even known her daughter knew the song, and the next week Shona was singing it for the Mayor of Borehamwood at a school event.
Shona’s performances on the show haven’t been limited to singing—she has embraced the physical challenges as well. Jennifer has watched proudly as her daughter tackled trials such as chewing fish eyes to fill a shot glass with their juice. She said Shona had told them to vote for her to do every trial because she wanted the full jungle experience. “We’ve been really mean, and we have,” Jennifer admitted with a laugh. “I really do think she can win it. I hope people vote to keep Shona in as she has got an awful lot more entertainment to give.”
As Shona and Aitch’s interactions grow more flirtatious—with scenes showing Aitch watching as Shona washed with cold water, and moments where Shona caught herself gazing at him—fans have only become more invested. Whether the connection leads to romance or simply a strong friendship, both have undeniably brought warmth, playfulness, and light to the series.
For Jennifer, the joy of watching her daughter thrive outweighs everything else. She sees a woman who has come through difficult times and is now embracing a new adventure with confidence and authenticity. Through laughter, flirtation, trials, and heartfelt conversations, Shona is showcasing the full range of who she is—and fans seem to love her for it.
