Trivia

Filmed her 1000th episode of EastEnders (1985) on 1 June 2018.

Prior to landing the role of Whitney Dean in EastEnders (1985), Shona had been involved in amateur musical theatre for 6 years.

Received a 4-week suspension from EastEnders (1985) for her constant tardiness (15 July 2012).

Her favourite singer is Leona Lewis.

Passed her driving test at age 22 on 28 April 2014.

As of 2020 she is the 10th-longest serving actress on the history of EastEnders (1985) (tied with Gretchen Franklin, Patsy Palmer, Lacey Turner and Lorna Fitzgerald, and behind only June Brown, Pam St. Clement, Letitia Dean, Wendy Richard, a tied Gillian Taylforth and Natalie Cassidy, a tied Barbara Windsor and Laila Morse, Gillian Wright, a tied Diane Parish and Linda Henry, and Jessie Wallace), having played the character Whitney Dean for 12 years (from 2008 onwards).

Was enrolled in a college childcare course when she learned that she'd been cast as Whitney Dean in EastEnders (1985).

Daughter of Patrick (b. 1956) and Jennifer (née McNamara) McGarty (b. 1956).

Older sister to Camilla Mairead McGarty (b. 28 September 1992).

Attended St Teresa RC School in Borehamwood.

Attended Loreto College in St Albans (2003-2007).

Is close friends with her former EastEnders (1985) co-star Melissa Suffield.

Was in a relationship with Matt Lapinskas, having met on the set of EastEnders (1985) (August 2011-February 2013).

Has two nephews, Corey (b. 29 July 2013) and Teddy (b. July 2018), via her sister Camilla and her boyfriend, Matt.

Was in attendance at the wedding of her EastEnders (1985) co-star Danny Dyer to Joanne Mas (3 September 2016).

Was in attendance at the wedding of her EastEnders (1985) co-star Samantha Womack to Mark Womack (17 May 2009).

Was engaged to electrician and Projekt Weekend band-member Ryan Harris, having dated since April 2013, from October 2017 until April 2019.

Ranked #44 in The 100 Greatest EastEnders (1985) Characters of All Time for her performance as Whitney Dean (2015).

Paternal granddaughter of Daniel and Mary (née O'Mahoney) McGarty.