EastEnders icon 'set to head Down Under as they enter talks to join I'm A Celebrity' a year after leaving soap
Shona McGarty is reportedly being lined up to star in the next series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!
The actress, 33, could be set to head Down Under, just a year after she said goodbye to EastEnders after 16 years of playing Whitney Dean.
According to The Sun, she is in advanced talks with ITV bosses to join the series when it begins filming in November.
A source told the publication: '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.'
MailOnline has contacted Shona's representatives for comment.
The soap star previously admitted that she would be keen to take part in rival TV show, Strictly Come Dancing, saying that 'it appeals to my soul, because it's sequins, and glitter and tan and hair and nails.'
In December, she told Revamp that she'd previously turned the BBC series down from anxiety, but now felt ready to sign up.
She said: 'I have been several times, but I turned it down personally because of my anxiety. I think it just got in the way.
'I would think, "I can't do it," or, "It's not the right time". I just panicked, and I kick myself for it now.
'But now that I'm older, I'm like, you know what? I'll do it. I feel like everything happens for a reason.'
Shona has been busy since bidding goodbye to Albert Square in April, spending time in the recording studio and presenting a gong at the Beauty Awards in November.
While last month, she announced that she's set to play the lead role in Bettie Page, Queen of Pin-Ups – The Musical in June.
The show will be on June 9 at Lyric Theatre in central London, running for 90 minutes with no interval, and tickets cost from £15.
The synopsis reads: 'She Was Never The Girl Next Door. This revealing new bio-musical tells the story of the original revolutionary pin-up model, and pop culture icon, Bettie Page.
'All Bettie wants is to escape her circumstances and live a normal life, yet when she discovers glamour photography in the 1950s, all she wants is the right to be able to do it.
'Bettie's iconic status is born out of her fierce feminism and fight for personal liberties.
'Bettie Page, Queen of Pin-Ups – The Musical chronicles her quest for freedom of expression through seminal moments in history, original songs, and the greatest hits of the 50s and 60s.'
Shona is no stranger to the music industry, having performed live a number of times and regularly sharing videos of her showing off her incredible singing voice on social media.
The star has also released a number of singles including A Change is Gonna Come, Rock with Rudolph and Let It Be.
She shot to fame at 16 years old when she joined EastEnders, being involved in a number of hard-hitting storylines including being groomed by her mum Bianca's boyfriend, her marriage to Lee Carter and her unborn baby being diagnosed with Edward's Syndrome.
But back in July 2023 it was revealed that Shona had quit her EastEnders role, later telling Inside Soap Magazine: 'It wasn't an easy decision because I've made so many friends.
'I've seen people come and go, and meanwhile, Whitney has been one of the longest-standing characters.
'I've had so much fun and done so many storylines, some of which have been sensitive, and I've been honoured to be trusted with such heavy stuff, year after year.'
In April last year she filmed her final scenes as her iconic alter-ego and later revealed the real reason why she quit.
She told The Sun: 'It was a really difficult decision, because it's all I've ever known. I pretty much grew up on the Square, so I feel like I'm leaving home.
'But I had to put on my big girl pants and be quite brave, because life is so short, and you feel that more and more as you get older.
'There are other opportunities and areas of the industry I want to explore before I get too old! All things come to an end and this is the new chapter of my life.
'So although it was a big decision, once I'd made it, I was quite resolute that this was something I had to do. I mean, 16 years is amazing. I've had a really good run and Whitney needs a break.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
39 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Patsy Palmer leaves British Soap Awards co-stars aghast with Vagina monologue
EastEnders star Patsy Palmer stunned her British Soap Awards co-stars with her very crude speech while on stage as host Jane McDonald was left open mouthed Patsy Palmer had her soap colleagues' jaws on the floor with her crude speech on stage at the British Soap Awards. The EastEnders star picked up the Best Comedy Performance for her role as loudmouth Bianca Butcher. She made an epic comeback to the BBC soap in February as part of the 40th anniversary celebrations. However, Patsy's speech took an unexpected turn when she headed up on stage to collect her award. The glitzy do, which took place over the weekend but aired on TV last night, was hosted by Jane McDonald. She was so stunned by Patsy that she turned to face the camera with an open mouth. The TV favourite kicked off her cheeky speech: "Knock knock. Listen I haven't prepared a speech because I thought Jack [P. Shepherd] was going to win." She continued: "To be able to be funny and all of what we've seen tonight, is nothing short of a miracle really. I want to thank Shona McGarty for leaving, because if she hadn't have left, I wouldn't have come back." Patsy's speech soon took a turn as she admitted: "I wasn't expecting that and I'm so glad I did because I stayed for the 40th and that was really where we celebrated the woman's vagina. The actress then declared: "I think vagina's have always been funny." She was met with both shock and laughter from the audience as she also burst out laughing. However, Michelle Collins, who plays Cindy Beale, looked mortified while Ian Beale actor Adam Woodyatt appeared gobsmacked at Patsy's remark. The reference was, of course, to Sonia Fowler giving birth during the live 40th anniversary episode. Carrying on her speech, Patsy said: "All jokes aside, coming back to EastEnders after quite some time has been the most amazing experience for me. "I'm beyond grateful, I'm not going to cry because it's a comedy award, but you have no idea what a gift it has been for me to come back." When she left the stage, a baffled host Jane said: "I don't know quite what to say. How many times can you say vagina in one speech." Viewers also joked about the reason the award ceremony is not broadcast live as one said: "I mean perhaps they are given how many times Patsy Palmer said the word vagina in her acceptance speech!' Another added: 'I cannot wait to see what parts of Patsy Palmer's vagina tangent makes the tv broadcast.' Someone else commented: 'Happy Patsy Palmer Vagina Speech Day to all who celebrate.' It wasn't the first time Patsy left viewers stunned with her speeches, as some Celebrity Big Brother viewers felt awkward during her exit chat. She didn't seem impressed when quizzed on her clash with Mickey Rourke in the house before he was booted out for his shocking behaviour. Host Will said: "There were a few tricky moments that you had to deal with in there, people complaining about broccoli - that was one, but you seemed to move past that?" Patsy shook her head as she refused to say anything. Will asked: "You don't want to talk about the broccoli?" While Patsy remained silent, AJ added: "Did it upset you that Mickey complained to your face about the food?" She still didn't seem impressed as she responded: "Not really that...," before the hosts agreed to move on from Mickey chat. Hitting back at viewers, Patsy wrote on social media: "There's nothing awkward about silence. It says it all!"
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Rachael Finch takes tennis lessons into her own hands with son Dominic - after she was slammed for saying her children do not play team sports
Rachael Finch decided to take tennis training into her own hands on Thursday as she was spotted on the court with her six-year-old son Dominic. The model, 36, who shares Dominic and daughter Violet, eight, with Michael Miziner, sparked controversy when she said she wouldn't put her kids in team sports. Adding that she and her husband are all the 'team' their children need, the mother-of-three appears to be staying true to her word as she played a few rounds in Sydney. The brunette beauty was all smiles as she got in some bonding time with her son on the court, dressing for the warm weather in a red sweater and black tights. Flaunting her natural beauty without a lick of makeup in sight, Rachael pulled her dark tresses back into a tight ponytail as she served the ball to Dominic. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Likewise, her son also had a big smile on his face as he enjoyed playing tennis with his famous mother, dressed in all black for the outing. Rachael copped backlash from her followers late last month when she revealed the reason she won't put her kids in any team sports. She uploaded a video to Instagram, in which her husband and daughter could be seen training at the tennis courts—but it was the caption which raised eyebrows. 'People ask, "Why don't your kids play team sports?"' the mother-of-two wrote over the video. 'We are their team,' she added. Rachael went on to explain the controversial statement, saying she always wanted to be on her family's team no matter what. 'I'll carry the water bottles. I'll chop up the oranges. I don't care what I do—just so long as I get to be on this team,' she wrote. Rachael said she hopes her children learn lessons in 'resilience, accountability, confidence, winning and losing with grace, emotional balance, and that what you put in is what you get out'. However, even if they didn't, the proud mum said 'being there every single time they turn their head to the sideline' was a dream for both her and her husband. 'The fact they're out learning more about themselves in a challenging yet supportive environment while enjoying themselves is what counts,' she said. Adding the decision to play team sports was one which depended on the child, she posed the question to other parents. 'Do you think it's better if kids play team or individual sports?' she wrote. Rachael's followers poured into the comments section with their takes on the parenting view, with many calling out her decision. 'My kids do play team sports, that doesn't mean my husband and I aren't their team,' one person sourly wrote. Another chimed in: 'I think children need to be playing with other children and not just around their parents all the time. That's just my opinion.' 'Definitely team sports, and without parents around or on sidelines is crucial to self empowerment and development,' another person added. Other parents reflected on the question, saying a little bit of both was the best course of action, so long as it's what the children want to do. 'I think playing any sport is great! Team or individual. As the kids get older they will tell you what they want to continue with or if they want to change sports,' one person expressed. Another fan said: 'As long as the kids are doing what they choose to do and love it that's all that matters.' 'My kids play both team and individual sports. There's no better or worse or right or wrong. Just what works for your child and family,' another weighed in.
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Daddy duty! The Bachelor's Sam Wood is every inch the doting father as he juggles his three young daughters during an outing in Melbourne
Sam Wood effortlessly juggled daddy duties during an outing with his three daughters this week. The former Bachelor star was every inch the doting father as he guided the youngsters - Willow, seven, Charlie, five, and Harper, two - down a busy street in Richmond. The clan all held hands as they enjoyed a fun day out at the shops. The Bachelor star, 44, looked relaxed and stylish in an all-black ensemble, wearing a cosy jumper paired with matching tracksuit pants that perfectly complemented his salt-and-pepper hair. He completed his casual look with crisp white runners and sunglasses casually tucked into his jumper. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. His wife Snezana was not present during the outing. Sam recently returned from New York where he was visiting the couple's eldest daughter Evie, 19, who is living in the US. The loved-up pair, who are still going strong nine years after meeting and falling in love on The Bachelor, are reportedly eyeing off a glorious mansion in one of Melbourne's most sought after postcodes. Real estate insiders say the hunky reality star and his wife have already laid out an eye-watering $14million for the sprawling pad. Located in seaside Brighton, 14kms from the CBD, the beautiful vintage multi-level estate boasts six-bedrooms, a pool and expansive gardens. However, the Herald Sun reported that the genetically-blessed pair have yet to seal the deal on the trophy home. Now a business mogul, Sam has built an multimillion dollar empire. In 2022 he sold his fitness program - 28 by Sam Wood - to genetics group myDNA for $71million. The entrepreneur continues to invest in the company and holds a five per cent stake. He has also amassed a $10 million real estate portfolio, including a $4 million home in Elsternwick which he shares with his family. Sam made his entry into the property market back in 2014, when he purchased a two bedroom 1728 square metre unit in Carnegie's Koornang Road for $477,500. In April, Sam revealed intimate details about his marriage to Snezana He said that the couple turned to therapy to work on their communication skills. In a revealing confession, the fitness entrepreneur said the pair were prone to 'petty rows' that left them 'agitated'. 'People hear couples counselling, marriage counselling, and they think it's doom and gloom, but it's actually about learning communication techniques,' the father-of-four said on an episode of Mamamia's This Glorious Mess podcast.
