Latest news with #WhitneyDean
Daily Mail
9 hours 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!?'
The Sun
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
EastEnders star looks unrecognisable in new snap 12 years after quitting the soap
AN EASTENDERS actor looks completely different 12 years after quitting the soap. The BBC One screen star stripped topless for a beach snap before posing by a series of palm trees on a recent holiday. 7 7 7 Tony Discipline, 36, was an EastEnders stalwart for two years between 2011 and 2013, playing Tyler Moon. His character was the son of Eddie Moon (David Essex), as well as a cousin to legendary Alfie Moon (Shane Richie). He arrived on Albert Square with dad Eddie Moon and brother Anthony and worked in the family's antiques store. The cheeky chap, who stared in 175 episodes of the BBC soap, was then seen training as a boxer before starting a relationship with Whitney Dean. Yet after their relationship faltered, he quit Walford life for a cruise ship with his brother in summer 2013. Now Tony has kept his followers up-to-date with his off-camera life on social media. As well as his holiday images, he has uploaded snaps showing nights out with family and friends and recent bike rides. Alongside one recent image, a fan wrote: "Looking good." He added the thoughtful caption: "Memories" to on image showing him on the beach. Since his EastEnders exit, Kent-born actor Tony has been busy grafting off-screen. Tony Discipline plays Tyler Moon in. Eastenders He previously revealed his new career as a bartender, with his The Tipsy Trailer bar, while he has also trained as a firefighter. Yet recently, proving he is keeping his hand in acting, he posted his new headshots to his Instagram grid. As well as EastEnders, he has starred in 2012's All I Want For Christmas and 2021's Override. Last year, fans were stunned as he popped up in rival soap Doctors. He told us: 'I love it. Every day is different and you feel you're helping your community. "It can be quite dangerous but you're trained to deal with those situations.' Actor Tony has also spoken positively about his experience on the show, noting he'd be open to returning. He previously told The Sun: 'I loved my time there. "It was a great chapter in my life and if the opportunity ever came up, I would definitely be interested.' 7 7 7 7
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.'
The Sun
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
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. 6 6 6 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. EastEnders star Shona McGarty glams up for Whitney's wedding 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. 6 6 6
