EastEnders legend is set to sign big money I’m A Celebrity deal a year after quitting soap

AN ex EastEnders star is set head Down Under to star on I’m A Celebrity.

Shona McGarty, 33, is in advanced talks to be an early signing for the ITV show, which films this Autumn in November.

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An ex EastEnders star has signed up for the new series of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! The Sun can reveal[/caption]

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Shona McGarty is set to battle bugs Down Under on the iconic ITV reality series[/caption]

BBC

She left her role as EastEnders’ Whitney Dean last year[/caption]

It comes after she left the BBC One soap last year after 16 years playing iconic Whitney Dean on Albert Square.

A source said: “Jungle bosses have been keen to sign up the soap queen for ages.

“Shona is Walford royalty and hugely popular with TV viewers, she’s got bags of charisma and producers think she’ll be a great campmate.

“Plus fans haven’t seen much of her away from Enders, so I’m A Celeb will be an opportunity for her to show a completely different side to her personality.

“Show bosses are already talking to some brilliant names for the new series.”

Earlier this year Shona admitted she would like to take part in a rival reality show – Strictly Come Dancing.

She said: “I would love to do Strictly. It appeals to my soul, because it’s sequins, and glitter and tan and hair and nails.”

Shona has been working on breaking out as a music star since leaving the soap, having showcased her singing talents since she was a teenager.

In 2012 she performed A Change is Gonna Come on Children in Need, released a charity song for Great Ormond Street Hospital in 2018, covered Let It Be in 2021 for charity Mind and last year sang at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance for BBC1.

An ITV spokesman said: “‘Any names suggested for I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here are just speculation.”

ALL CHANGE

Shona announced her departure from EastEnders in 2023 after a 15-year stint, sharing she wanted to explore other opportunities.

Speaking exclusively to The Sun at the time, Shona said: “I have decided to spread my wings and will be leaving EastEnders. I have loved my years in the show.

“I have been trusted with some incredible storylines and have made amazing friendships — and family — which will endure.”

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Soap bosses were eager to sign Shona up for her charisma[/caption]

BBC

Shona told how she wanted to ‘spread my wings’ from the BBC soap[/caption]

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She previously had her sights set on a Strictly spot[/caption]