EastEnders actress Shona McGarty has firmly quashed ongoing speculation of a romantic relationship with her I'm A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! co-star, rapper Aitch. The 34-year-old star, who finished third in this year's final, described the 25-year-old musician as her "little brother" during a candid radio interview.
Setting The Record Straight On Hits Radio
McGarty addressed the swirling rumours head-on while appearing on the Hits Radio Breakfast Show with Fleur East, Will Best and James Barr on Tuesday. She reflected on her time in the Australian jungle and clarified the true nature of her bond with Aitch, whose real name is Harrison James Armstrong.
"I came out, and apparently me and Aitch were in a relationship," Shona told the presenting team, addressing the gossip directly. She went on to define their connection, stating: "He's great, still my little brother! He's so fun to be around, he's just hyper, and he matched my level of hyper."
She did hint at future platonic plans, adding: "He hasn't been round for karaoke yet, but it's on the cards."
Jungle Bond Sparked Viewer Speculation
The rumours began after viewers observed several affectionate moments between the pair during their three-week stint in the purpose-built camp. Speculation intensified significantly following Aitch's elimination in the semi-final, where McGarty was visibly emotional about his departure.
In the Bush Telegraph during the final, a devastated Shona said: "I had to say goodbye to Aitch today... just one more day until I see him again." This heartfelt comment, coupled with their apparent closeness, led many fans to predict a potential romance blossoming once the show concluded.
Reacting on social media platform X, one viewer wrote: "Shona was devastated!" Another commented: "THE AITCH AND SHONA POTENTIAL ROMANCE?! I must know cos they’d be cute af!"
Aitch Previously Denied Romantic Link
The rapper had already denied any romantic involvement when questioned by the Daily Mail after his own exit from the competition. "Romantic, no, not at all, she's a good friend of mine," Aitch stated clearly.
He attributed their strong connection to a shared passion for music, revealing: "95 per cent of the conversations we had in the Jungle was literally just about how sick she is at singing. I knew that she was trying to come out of the Jungle and pursue a music career."
Aitch suggested their age difference was a factor in the rumours, noting: "She had the same conversations with Martin, but no one's going to say she had a romance with him because Martin is married. So, unfortunately, I'm the next option." He also pledged to help introduce Shona to his music industry contacts back in the UK.
Both celebrities entered the jungle recently single; McGarty had ended her nine-year engagement to David Bracken, while Aitch had split from girlfriend Lois Cottam just weeks before the show.
Ultimately, Shona McGarty was eliminated in third place, leaving Tom Read Wilson and AngryGinge as the final two contestants. AngryGinge went on to win the series.
