by Shona McGarty Launches Music Career with 'Unapologetically Me' After EastEnders Exit
22 Nov, 2025On 30 October 2025, Shona Bernadette McGarty didn’t just drop a song—she dropped a statement. The former BBC Studios star, who spent fifteen years as Whitney Dean in the iconic soap EastEnders, unveiled her debut single Unapologetically Me, a sweeping, gospel-tinged ballad that feels less like a debut and more like a homecoming. At 34, McGarty isn’t chasing fame. She’s reclaiming it—on her own terms.
From Albert Square to the Recording Studio
McGarty’s exit from EastEnders wasn’t abrupt. She announced her departure in July 2023, saying she wanted to "spread her wings." Her final scenes aired in early 2024, closing a chapter that began in 2008 when she was just 17. But even while playing the troubled, resilient Whitney, McGarty was quietly building another identity. Her 2021 charity cover of The Beatles’ "Let It Be" for MIND—a mental health charity based in London—hit over 8 million streams on Spotify by October 2025. That wasn’t a fluke. It was a whisper of what was coming.
The Sound of a New Chapter
Produced by Steve Anderson, whose credits include Kylie Minogue and Westlife, Unapologetically Me opens with a hushed piano and McGarty’s voice—raw, unfiltered, intimate. Then, like a tide turning, it swells into a full choir-backed crescendo that leaves you breathless. MusicTalkers called it "cinematic," and they weren’t exaggerating. The song doesn’t just showcase her vocal range; it reveals her emotional core. "It’s not about being perfect," McGarty told a backstage interviewer after the release. "It’s about being real. That’s what I learned playing Whitney. And now, I’m finally letting people see me."
Her journey to this moment wasn’t linear. In 2022, she sang Leonard Cohen’s "Hallelujah" at London’s Royal Albert Hall during the BBC’s Festival of Remembrance, accompanied by a full orchestra. In 2024, she starred as Bettie Page in the West End musical Bettie Page, Queen of Pinups, then took on the chilling role in Danny Robins’ 2:22 A Ghost Story at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Each role sharpened her presence. Each performance deepened her confidence.
Why This Matters More Than Just a New Single
British soap actors turning to music? It’s a well-worn path. Sometimes it works—think of Coronation Street’s Sally Dynevor singing in charity singles. Often, it doesn’t. But McGarty’s case is different. She didn’t wait for a reality show to launch her. She didn’t rely on fan loyalty alone. She built credibility—through charity, through theatre, through quiet, consistent artistry.
And then came the timing. Releasing Unapologetically Me just weeks before joining the twenty-fifth series of I’m a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! in November 2025? That’s not opportunistic. It’s strategic. It’s a way to control the narrative. Instead of being seen as just another soap star seeking fame, she’s positioning herself as an artist with substance—someone who’s earned the right to be heard.
What Comes Next?
McGarty’s team hasn’t announced a full album yet. But with over 8 million streams already on her charity single, and a powerful debut that’s trending across UK radio, the momentum is undeniable. She’s also been spotted in studio sessions with producers known for working with indie-pop artists like Raye and Celeste. A follow-up single could arrive as early as spring 2026.
Her independence is key. Unlike her EastEnders days, where she was under the BBC’s umbrella, McGarty now operates outside the traditional TV machine. She’s managing her own brand, working with independent creatives, and making decisions that prioritize artistic integrity over industry pressure. That’s rare—and refreshing.
Behind the Scenes: The Real Shona
Those who know her say the public barely saw the real McGarty on screen. "Whitney was loud, dramatic, often in crisis," says a longtime cast member who asked not to be named. "Shona? She’s quiet. Observant. Reads poetry before bed. Writes lyrics in her notebook on set during lunch breaks. She’s been preparing for this for years."
Even her choice of collaborators tells a story. Steve Anderson doesn’t work with just anyone. He picks artists with depth. And McGarty co-wrote every word of Unapologetically Me. That’s not a gimmick. That’s ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does 'Unapologetically Me' differ from Shona McGarty’s earlier charity music?
While her 2021 cover of "Let It Be" was a powerful group effort for MIND, Unapologetically Me is entirely her own—co-written, emotionally personal, and produced with cinematic ambition. It’s not charity work; it’s a professional debut. The song’s structure, layered harmonies, and gospel climax reflect a deliberate artistic statement, not just goodwill.
Why is Steve Anderson’s involvement significant?
Anderson isn’t just any producer—he shaped global hits for Kylie Minogue, Britney Spears, and Westlife. His decision to work with McGarty signals industry recognition of her vocal talent and potential. He doesn’t take on unknowns lightly; his involvement lends serious credibility to her transition from soap star to recording artist.
What role did her West End performances play in her music career?
Performing nightly in Bettie Page and 2:22 A Ghost Story honed her stage presence, emotional control, and vocal stamina—skills crucial for live music. Unlike TV, theatre demands consistency and vulnerability. Those experiences gave her the confidence to step into a studio alone and sing a song that lays her soul bare.
Is her appearance on 'I’m a Celebrity...' a distraction or a boost?
It’s both. The show guarantees massive exposure—but McGarty entered with her single already released. Instead of being "just a soap star," she’s being framed as an artist in the spotlight. The timing suggests a coordinated strategy: let the music speak first, then use the show to deepen the connection. It’s a smart pivot, not a desperate one.
What’s the cultural significance of her move?
McGarty represents a new wave of British soap actors who refuse to be typecast. She’s not waiting for a reality show to validate her. She’s using theatre, charity, and independent music to build a legacy beyond TV. Her success could inspire others to treat their post-soap careers as serious artistry—not just stopgaps.
Will she continue acting while pursuing music?
She hasn’t ruled it out. McGarty has made it clear she values creative diversity. While music is now her primary focus, she’s open to roles that align with her artistic growth—especially in theatre or independent film. Her identity isn’t shrinking; it’s expanding. She’s not leaving acting behind—she’s adding another layer.