In the whirlwind aftermath of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! 2025, where bush tucker trials and campfire confessions captivated millions, one storyline has refused to fade: the undeniable chemistry between former EastEnders star Shona McGarty and Manchester rapper Aitch. As the dust settles on a series that saw Shona finish a commendable third place and Aitch exit just shy of the final in a shocking semi-final twist, the 34-year-old actress has finally addressed the swirling romance rumors. “I came out and suddenly it looked like Aitch and I were dating… he’s wonderful,” Shona revealed in a candid radio interview, her laughter masking the surprise of returning to a phone buzzing with speculation. Spotted shopping together in the lead-up to Christmas—bags in hand, smiles wide—the pair’s post-jungle sighting only fueled the fire. Yet, beneath the tabloid frenzy lies a tale of genuine friendship forged in adversity, mutual respect, and shared passions that has left fans yearning for more.

Shona McGarty’s journey to the Australian jungle was one of transformation and renewal. Best known for her 16-year portrayal of the fiery Whitney Dean on EastEnders—a role that earned her critical acclaim for tackling heavy storylines like abuse, grooming, and heartbreak—Shona bid farewell to Walford in 2024. The departure was emotional; Whitney’s dramatic exit involved a wedding gone wrong and a new chapter abroad. Off-screen, Shona’s life mirrored the turbulence: a recent amicable split from her fiancé, Irish musician David Bracken, after a nine-year relationship, left her navigating single life anew. Entering the jungle just months later, she confessed to battling anxiety, but the experience proved therapeutic. “It’s been a healing process,” she told hosts Ant and Dec in her exit interview, emerging stronger, yodeling her way into viewers’ hearts, and forming bonds that transcended the camp.

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Enter Aitch—real name Harrison Armstrong—the 25-year-old rap sensation from New Moston, Manchester, whose breakout hits like “Taste (Make It Shake)” and collaborations with stars like Ed Sheeran have cemented his place in UK music. Fresh from splitting with his girlfriend Lois Cottam weeks before the show, Aitch entered the jungle as a fan favorite, bringing humor, vulnerability, and northern charm. His bromance with YouTuber Angry Ginge (Morgan Burtwistle, the eventual winner) provided comic gold, but it was his interactions with Shona that stole the spotlight. From playful pillow fights to deep late-night chats, their energy synced perfectly. Aitch’s confession to Ginge—”I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for Shona, me”—ignited speculation, amplified by moments like him complimenting her eyes or wrapping his legs around her in jest.

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Viewers were hooked. Social media exploded with theories: “Aitch and Shona are the new Katie and Peter!” fans exclaimed, referencing the iconic 2004 jungle romance between Katie Price and Peter Andre. Hosts Ant and Dec teased the potential “showmance,” while campmates like Ruby Wax later revealed off-air conversations dispelling romance but confirming mutual admiration. Shona’s family weighed in positively—her sister Camilla calling Aitch a “nice guy” she’d invite for Christmas, her mother Jennifer praising his kindness. Yet, the nine-year age gap and their recent heartbreaks added layers of intrigue: Could this be a genuine connection, or just jungle magic?

The camp dynamics amplified everything. In the rugged setting of the Australian outback—hammocks swaying, stars overhead, trials testing limits—bonds form fast.

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Shona and Aitch’s shared love of music became their glue. Both aspiring singers—Shona released her debut single “Unapologetically Me” pre-jungle, while Aitch encouraged her pursuits—Aitch even offered industry connections post-show. “We bonded over music,” Shona explained. Their hyper, silly energy matched; she felt protective, like an “older sister,” while he appreciated her authenticity.

Aitch’s shock exit in the semi-final—fourth place, despite being a frontrunner—devastated Shona on-screen. “I had to say goodbye to Aitch today… just one more day until I see him again,” she confided tearfully. Fans read romance into it, but Aitch clarified post-elimination: “Romantic, no… she’s a good friend. We have the same sense of humor.” Shona echoed this, calling rumors “rubbish” due to the age difference, yet praising him warmly.

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Then came the Christmas shopping sighting. Shortly after Aitch’s exit and as Shona powered through to third (behind Tom Read Wilson and winner Angry Ginge), paparazzi captured them together in the UK—festive streets, holiday bags, easy laughter. No confirmation of romance, but the timing—post-jungle reunion—sparked fresh buzz. Shona’s radio confession addressed it head-on: Emerging from isolation to headlines proclaiming a relationship surprised her, but she stood firm on their platonic vibe while calling Aitch “wonderful.”

This “will-they-won’t-they” captivates because it humanizes celebrities. In an era of curated images, their raw jungle moments—vulnerability amid trials, laughter defying hunger—felt authentic. Shona’s post-EastEnders reinvention, launching music and conquering fears, inspires; Aitch’s rise from Manchester streets to charts embodies grit. Their friendship, rooted in music and mutual support, offers hope amid their recent breakups.

Fans remain invested. Reunions at wrap parties, group WhatsApps, and potential collabs keep the door ajar. Shona’s family approves; Aitch’s charm wins over skeptics. While both deny romance—he “little brother,” she protective sibling—the “wonderful” descriptor and shopping outing leave room for imagination.

As 2025 holidays glow, Shona and Aitch’s story reminds us of unexpected connections. Jungle sparks may not ignite full romance, but they’ve kindled a beautiful friendship—one “wonderful” enough to warm hearts through winter.