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

3 months ago 10

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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.

I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! logo on a jungle hillside.RexAn 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] Shona McGarty at the British Soap Awards.Getty - ContributorShona McGarty is set to battle bugs Down Under on the iconic ITV reality series[/caption] Whitney Dean from EastEnders looking upset.BBCShe 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 showStrictly 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.”

I'm A Celebrity - All The Winners

Here's every star who has been crowned King or Queen of the Jungle to date:

2024: Danny Jones, McFly star 2023: Sam Thompson, Made in Chelsea star 2022: Jill Scott, England footballer 2021: Danny Miller, Emmerdale star 2020: Giovanna Fletcher, actress and podcaster 2019: Jacqueline Jossa, EastEnders star 2018: Harry Redknapp, England legend 2017: Georgia Toffolo, Made In Chelsea star 2016: Scarlett Moffatt, Gogglebox star 2015: Vicky Pattison, Geordie Shore star 2014: Carl Fogarty, famed racer 2013: Kian Egan, Westlife star 2012: Charlie Brooks, EastEnders actor 2011: Dougie Poynter, McFly star 2010: Stacey Solomon, X Factor star now TV personality 2009: Gino D’ACampo, TV Chef 2008: Joe Swash, TV personality 2007: Christopher Biggins, actor 2006: Matt Willis, Busted star 2005: Carol Thatcher, author and broadcaster 2004 (second series): Joe Pasquale, comedian 2004: Kerry Katona, Atomic Kitten star and reality star 2003: Phil Tufnell, England Cricketer 2002: Tony Blackburn, Radio DJ

There was also an All Star series in South Africa in 2023, which was won by Myleene Klass.

Shona McGarty at the National Television Awards in a red dress.GettySoap bosses were eager to sign Shona up for her charisma[/caption] Whitney Dean from EastEnders in a kitchen, looking pensive.BBCShona told how she wanted to ‘spread my wings’ from the BBC soap[/caption] Shona McGarty at the British Soap Awards.GettyShe previously had her sights set on a Strictly spot[/caption]
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