According to her mother Jennifer, the actress who played Whitney Dean for 16 years is starting to open up on the ITV reality show.
Shona McGarty’s mum, Jennifer, believes the former EastEnders star is overcoming her anxiety struggles on I’m A Celebrity.
She said a quiet chat in the jungle between Shona and Ruby Wax about anxiety reassured her that her daughter was doing well.
Jennifer explained: “I saw little Shona’s face light up, as if she thought, ‘Oh good, I really am smashing this… I’m doing it. I’m coping.’”
Watching from thousands of miles away, Jennifer said she instantly recognised that expression on her daughter’s face.
“It was a weight off our minds,” she added. “We know her so well, and we can always tell when her smile is genuine. She’s been completely herself — just as she said she would be.”
Shona has lived with anxiety for much of her life. Before entering the jungle, the 34-year-old admitted her mental health had been “pretty bad” over the past four or five years. She also shared that she was worried her anxiety “might rear its ugly head” while in camp.
Jennifer said: “It’s always difficult to watch your children — or anyone you care about — struggle with anxiety, but she made the right choice. She recognised what was happening and sought medical help, which is exactly what everyone should do.
“You don’t suffer alone. There’s support out there, you learn how to manage it, and it’s only a small part of Shona. It doesn’t define her in any way.”
Meanwhile, I’m A Celebrity’s Angry Ginge has vowed to channel his inner Ben Stokes, according to his family. The streaming star plans to mirror the cricketer’s famous never-give-up spirit as he tackles the jungle trials, while England aim to do the same in the Ashes.
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