For over a decade, Shona McGarty was a familiar face in living rooms across the UK. As Whitney Dean in EastEnders, she grew from a teenage soap newcomer into one of Britain’s most beloved and enduring TV stars. But after leaving the show last year, Shona has been busy writing a brand-new chapter that swaps scripts and set lights for stages and studio sessions.

Since saying goodbye to Albert Square, Shona has been fearlessly expanding her creative world. She has taken the West End by storm in the title role of Bettie Page, Queen of Pinups and captured audiences again in Danny Robins’ supernatural hit 2:22 A Ghost Story. Yet her biggest transformation might just be the one that has been closest to her heart, stepping fully into her identity as a singer and songwriter.

Now she unveils her debut single, Unapologetically Me, a song that not only announces her as a serious vocal talent but also offers a glimpse into the person behind the fame.

Produced by Steve Anderson (whose credits include Kylie Minogue, Britney Spears, and Westlife) and co-written by Shona herself, Unapologetically Me is a bold, cinematic ballad. It opens in quiet reflection before soaring into a powerful, gospel-infused finale, showcasing her rich, expressive voice and the emotional honesty that defines her artistry.

“I wrote Unapologetically Me as a reminder to myself, and to anyone who has ever felt pressure to be someone they are not, that it is okay to simply be who you are,” Shona explains. “Having spent years in the public eye, surrounded by glitz, glam, and expectation, I often felt the need to play a character. But beneath all that, I am just human, silly, sensitive, strong, and imperfect, and that is okay.”

She adds, “This song is about stripping away those layers and celebrating authenticity. It is a declaration of freedom, of learning to love every part of myself, and of standing proud in my truth. Unapologetically.”

Though Unapologetically Me marks her official debut as a recording artist, Shona’s voice has already reached millions. Her heartfelt rendition of The Beatles’ Let It Be, released in 2021 to support the mental health charity MIND, has been streamed over 8 million times on Spotify. In 2022, she delivered a breathtaking performance of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah at the Royal Albert Hall during the BBC’s Festival of Remembrance, accompanied by a full orchestra and choir.

Beyond her artistic achievements, Shona continues to lend her talent to causes close to her heart, supporting organisations such as Great Ormond Street and Children In Need.

With more new music on the way, Unapologetically Me feels like both a fresh beginning and a long time coming, the sound of an artist finally stepping into her own light.

Author: Andrew Braithwaite

Andrew is the founder and chief editor of Music Talkers. He's also a keen music enthusiast and plays the guitar.