Shona McGarty isn’t wasting a single moment after her triumphant run on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
Fresh off finishing third in this year’s series, the former EastEnders actress has already secured a brand-new BBC opportunity — and viewers won’t have to wait long to see her back on screen.
The 34-year-old star is set to join the broadcaster’s New Year’s Eve celebrations, taking part in a glitzy musical spectacular hosted by Boyzone legend Ronan Keating.
From the Jungle to New Year’s Spotlight
Shona will perform beloved West End musical numbers as part of Ronan & Friends, a star-studded lineup that also features vocalist Calum Scott and singer Louise Redknapp.
For someone who just spent weeks living among creepy crawlies, minimal food and relentless challenges, the leap from campfire to television spotlight marks a whirlwind comeback.
A BBC insider said:
“Shona was a standout on I’m A Celebrity — warm, funny, resilient.
The BBC didn’t want to waste time bringing her back.”
It’s also a full-circle moment for Shona, who spent 16 years playing Whitney Dean on EastEnders before leaving earlier this year.
I’m A Celebrity star Shona McGarty has landed an exciting new BBC opportunity – days after leaving the jungle
Shona lasted the entire stint on I’m A Celebrity, with the public voting her into third place during the final
Shona is no stranger to working with the BBC, having played Whitney Dean in EastEnders for 16 years
Shona Breaks Silence on Aitch Romance Rumours
While in the jungle, fans became convinced Shona and rapper Aitch were developing a romantic connection.
Appearing on Hits Radio’s Breakfast Show, she laughed off the speculation:
“I came out and apparently I’m dating Aitch!
He’s like my little brother — hyper, funny, and great to be around.”
There’s no romance, she insists — though she joked that karaoke night at her house is coming.
“I Didn’t Want Anxiety to Win”: Shona Gets Candid About Her Mental Health
In one of her most honest interviews to date, Shona admitted that before entering the jungle, her mental health was spiralling.
“Before the show,” she revealed,
“I couldn’t even sit on the toilet without scrolling TikTok.”
She said she had forgotten what real connection felt like, confessing:
“I don’t remember the last time I had a deep conversation with my mum and dad.”
Entering the jungle, she hoped confronting life without phones or constant noise might reset her mind — and it did.
Shona now encourages others to try a version of her digital detox:
“Put your phone away.
Spend time with people you love.
No caffeine, alcohol, or sugar.
After a couple of weeks, you feel present again.”
Campmates Who Became a Support System
Shona says she leaned heavily on her fellow celebrities during tough days in camp.
“I had some bad days, but talking openly with my campmates made all the difference.
They wanted to understand anxiety, and they really supported me.
I’ve made friends for life.”
A New Chapter Begins
With a major BBC gig lined up, a wave of public support behind her, and a renewed sense of mental clarity, Shona McGarty is stepping into the new year stronger than ever.
Her jungle journey may have ended, but her comeback is only just beginning.
