I'm A Celebrity 2025: Shona McGarty's family worried after soap star's jungle camp confession
Shona struggles with anxiety
Shona McGarty gave viewers a raw and honest moment in last night’s I’m A Celebrity (Tuesday, November 18) when she spoke about her struggles with social anxiety – and her family have now voiced their concerns.
Opening up to Alex Scott and Ruby Wax, Shona admitted that crowds and unfamiliar social situations have always been tough for her. It was a vulnerable confession that clearly struck a chord both in camp and at home.
Following her admission, her loved ones have said they are naturally worried about how she’ll cope under the intense spotlight of the jungle. But they also believe that, as the days roll on, she’ll settle in, find her rhythm, and hopefully leave the show feeling stronger than when she arrived.
Shona McGarty’s family share concerns for I’m A Celebrity star
On today’s episode of Lorraine, Shona’s mum Jennifer and sister Camilla spoke about how they felt about Shona’s jungle debut.
When asked if they had any concerns for reportedly newly-single Shona, they said that they had mixed feelings. They were worried about how she’d cope in the group setting due to her anxiety struggles but knew she’d eventually come into her own.
Sister Camilla – who Shona has a tattoo dedicated to – said: “She does suffer a little bit with anxiety and she’s a little bit more reserved and shy when she meets new people. When she gets to know everybody and sees who gets her sense of humour and who she naturally gels with, I think she’ll really come out of her shell.”
The family then admitted that entering the jungle ‘was a brave move.’ Shona is ‘a slow burner when she meets people’ and ‘she’s quite shy.’ But, they’re excited for Shona to ‘face her fears.’
They’re sharing the important message that anxiety doesn’t define someone, with Shona ‘having social anxiety but that’s only one part of her.’
I’m A Celeb star Shona McGarty opens up on social anxiety struggles
Shona chose to open up about her own battle with social anxiety during last night’s episode, speaking candidly to fellow campmates Ruby Wax and football favourite Alex Scott.
As Ruby reflected on her well-documented struggle with depression at the peak of her career, Shona felt safe enough to share her own mental health journey. It was a quiet but powerful moment in camp. It showed just how quickly these unlikely friendships are beginning to form.
She said: “I get social anxiety a lot.”
Ruby Wax was quick to reassure her. She told Shona she never would have guessed she struggled unless she’d said it out loud.
Now a few days into camp life, Shona is slowly finding her feet and getting to know the rest of the celebs. She’s already forming a handful of early bonds. Her family are hopeful that with a bit more time – and a few more shared chores around the fire – she’ll start to feel completely at home in the jungle.
