Latest news with #ShonaMcGarty
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Barbara Windsor's touching advice which inspired EastEnders star's career move
Shona McGarty quit her role as Whitney Dean last April after 16 years on the soap, and is now getting ready to star in a new West End production Former EastEnders favourite Shona McGarty is stepping into a new chapter of her career, and says the late Dame Barbara Windsor would have been behind her every step of the way. During an appearance on Lorraine this morning (June 4), Shona spoke about her upcoming role in Bettie Page, Queen of Pin-Ups – The Musical. Ranvir Singh pointed out the striking similarities between Barbara's glamorous EastEnders character and Shona's new part, saying: "It's funny, of course, we think of Babs, and we think of the role you're about to play now. There are some similarities there – of being the pin-up, being brave, owning your sexuality." Shona admitted that the legendary actress had always been one of her biggest supporters, adding: "I know that Barbara Windsor would have been so proud of me taking on this role. She always said to me, because I'm short and I'm curvy, she always said I should do burlesque. So I know she'd be proud." In Shona's upcoming West End venture she will play American model Bettie Page in a new biography-musical that audiences can come see from June 9. The show will run for one night only at London's Lyric Theatre and promises to delve into the life of the 1950s icon, through the medium of original songs and hits from the 50s and 60s. It will explore Bettie's rise to fame and her impact on pop culture and feminism. Shona is best known for playing Whitney Dean in EastEnders ever since she joined the soap at the age of 16. She left the BBC series in April last year after 16 years on set. This marked the end of an era where Whitney faced many emotional storylines, tackling serious issues like grooming, domestic abuse, and pregnancy loss. Shona was praised for her sensitive portrayal of the character throughout these hard-hitting topics. Since leaving Albert Square, Shona has kept herself busy exploring other avenues of entertainment. She has spent time in the recording studio, performed live music, and even presented an award at the Beauty Awards in November. Some of the singles she has released include A Change is Gonna Come, Rock with Rudolph, and Let It Be. After her soap exit, Shona told The Sun that it was difficult to leave EastEnders, but she felt like it was the right decision. The actress shared: "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."
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Lorraine viewers seriously distracted by EastEnders star Shona McGarty's appearance as she promotes new show
Lorraine viewers were seriously distracted by EastEnders star Shona McGarty 's appearance as she promoted her new show on the sofa this morning. Today's episode of the ITV chat show saw the actress, 33 - best known as Whitney Dean on the BBC soap - discuss her latest gig with presenter Ranvir Singh. After playing the character for 16 years, before her departure from Walford in 2024, she is now set to star in Bettie Page Queen of Pin-Ups: The Musical. The new show will see Shona play the iconic American pin-up girl for one night only at London 's Lyric Theatre on June 9. But Lorraine viewers today were more focussed on Shona's appearance - taking to X to say that with her fringe and bobbed hair, she looked uncannily like Lorraine Kelly. 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. Viewers said the actress, 33, looked uncannily similar to Lorraine Kelly, 65, the presenter of the self-titled chat show (pictured) Today's episode of the ITV chat show saw Shona - best known as Whitney Dean on the BBC soap - discuss her latest gig with presenter Ranvir Singh One fan said, comparing Shona to the Scottish host, 65, of the self-titled chat show: 'Lorraine is looking a bit younger from her days off.' Another user responded: 'Great minds.' They also made their own separate post on the social media platform: 'Shona's morphed into Lorraine.' Someone else said they agreed wholeheartedly: 'I couldn't think who she reminded me of but yes that's it!' At one point in the programme, Ranvir asked Shona if she found it hard to escape being associated with Whitney, having played her continuously since she was a teenager. Shona responded: 'Yeah, I mean, I've got a fringe now so I think people sort of go, "Is it...?" 'Or you know, I've had quite a few elderly ladies come up to me and they think I'm their hairdresser or they don't quite know why they know.' Ranvir agreed: 'They know you from somewhere, so familiar!' Laughing, Shona continued: 'And I haven't got the heart to say, "No, it's EastEnders", so I say, "Yeah, book another appointment in and I'll give you a quick snip off the ends". 'But yeah, I think the Whitney thing is still there, which is nice, I mean, I was in it for a long time.' Elsewhere in the interview, the soap actress brought up advice her EastEnders co-stars had given her over the years about both her career and life in general. She said the late June Brown - who passed away in 2022 aged 95, after playing Dot Cotton on the soap for 35 years - gave her a very cheeky tidbit of advice years ago: 'I'm never quite sure what she meant. 'I said: "What's your secret to getting to 93?". And she said: "A handful of nuts a day." I don't know what she meant...' Ranvir laughed, 'She might have been...', with Shona finishing her sentence, chuckling: 'Being cheeky.' The presenter continued: 'A double entendre there.' Shona agreed, amused: 'Absolutely. I'll have a few almonds every now and then.' The actress reminded viewers of Lorraine just after the chat show presenter disappeared from screens again on Monday, ditching her ITV programme this week. She took to Instagram on Sunday to share an exciting new project she is working on - meaning she would not be presenting her daily self-named programme for a week. Lorraine said: 'Hi there! I'm in the land of the midnight sun. It's absolutely glorious. 'It's a project that I have wanted to do for years and years and finally it is actually happening. 'I'm heading really, really far North. It is going to be amazing and I will tell you all about it when I am back. 'I'm back a week tomorrow (Monday) and I will see you then. Wish me luck.' But some couldn't contain themselves in the comments section, with one asking the telly star: 'So more time off work then Lorraine!?'
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
EastEnders' Shona McGarty set to join I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!
Shona McGarty is reportedly being lined up to star in the next series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! The actor could be set to head Down Under, one 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. The soap star previously admitted she would be keen to go down the reality route and take part in 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 down TV opportunitied because of anxiety, but now felt ready to sign up. She said: "I have been (asked) 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." McGarty shot to fame at 16 years old when she joined EastEnders, being involved in a number of hard-hitting storylines including her unborn baby being diagnosed with Edward's Syndrome.
Daily Mail
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
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.'
Daily Mirror
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
I'm A Celebrity bosses target EastEnders legend after emotional BBC soap exit
An EastEnders star has been linked to the cast of the 2025 season of ITV's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! (Image: ITV) ITV's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! may still be six months away but it appears a former EastEnders star is in the sights of the show casting team for the 2025 season. The long-running reality show brings together a group of stars from the worlds of TV, music and politics and drops them in an Australian jungle where they try to boost their star power. And for the forthcoming 25th season of the reality show, bosses are said to be hopeful they can tap soap star Shona McGarty, 33. The actress is best known for playing Whitney Dean on the BBC's long-running soap EastEnders - a role she held down from 2008 until quitting at the end of last year. Shona had explained she wanted to quit EastEnders after 15 years of service in order to explore other opportunities in the entertainment world. And it seems that I'm A Celeb could be one of the first big projects she undertakes now that she is free of the soap. A source told The Sun: "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.' Whitney Dean star Shona McGarty has been tipped to star in the 2025 season of the ITV show (Image: REX/BBC) The Mirror has contacted representatives of Shona and I'm A Celeb for comment. Shona would be far from the first EastEnders star to take part in I'm A Celeb. Danniella Westbrook, who played Sam Mitchell in 'stEnders, was the first from the soap to try her luck on the series. She was a contestant during season two of the show in 2003 but withdrew from the contest after just nine days. Sid Owen, who played Ricky Butcher - Shona's character's uncle - was in the cast in the 2005 season, and made it as a finalist. He ended third behind Emmerdale star Sheree Murphy and winner Carol Thatcher - a journalist and daughter of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Dean Gaffney, famous for playing Robbie Jackson on and off since 1993, was a contestant during season six in 2006 - and was a late entrant to the camp, parachuting in on day five of the contest. He did not fare well, however, and was voted off the show less than two weeks later. Marc Bannerman, who played Gianni di Marco on the BBC show from 1998 until 2000, appeared in the jungle the following year - but was the first star to be voted off that season. During the eighth season in 2008, Joe Swash became the first EastEnders star to win I'm A Celeb - romping to victory over runner up Martina Navratilova. He played Mickey Miller on the soap from 2003 until 2008 - and then reprised the role briefly in both 2011 and 2024. Lisa Fowler actress Lucy Benjamin was the next EastEnders star to appear on the show - taking part in season nine in 2009. She failed to win the show and was the third to be voted off that year. It wasn't until 2012 that another EastEnders star took part on ITV's reality show - with Charlie Brooks, who plays the iconic soap villain Janine Butcher entered the jungle and went on to win. The following year, Laila Morse - who plays Mo Harris - took part but was the second to be voted off. Next up was Larry Lamb, more famous for his role on Gavin & Stacey, but he also played Archie Mitchell from 2008 2010. He appeared in the 2016 season - but was voted off roughly halfway through. Rita Simons, who played Roxy Mitchell, appeared in 2018. Lauren Branning actress Jacqueline Jossa won in 2019. Jessica Plummer, who played Chantelle Atkins, and Shane Richie, who plays Alfie Moon, both appeared in the 2020 season - although neither made it to the final. Ian Beale icon Adam Woodyatt starred in the 2021 season and made it just over halfway through the season before being voted off. Danielle Harold, who played Lola Pearce from 2011 until 2024, starred in the 2023 season - and also only made it slightly more than halfway before being voted off, but is the most recent EastEnders star to appear on the show as there were none during the 2024 season. Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads.
