It’s been a whirlwind year for two of Britain’s most talked-about stars, Manchester rapper Aitch and former EastEnders actress Shona McGarty, both of whom recently captured the nation’s attention on ITV’s hit reality show I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!. As 2025 drew to a close, the pair reflected on transformative experiences, personal milestones, and the power of authenticity, both in the Australian jungle and far beyond.
For Aitch—born Harrison James Armstrong—the past twelve months have felt, in his own words, “like a movie.” The 25-year-old, who shot to fame in 2018 with his debut single Straight Rhymez, has since become one of the UK’s fastest rising musicians. According to Manchester Evening News, his journey this year began with a literal climb: in January, Aitch and his father Mike scaled Mount Kilimanjaro, a feat undertaken to raise funds and awareness for the Down Syndrome Association, a cause close to his heart due to his younger sister Gracie’s condition.
“Started the year climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, finished it in the jungle. Dropped the number 1 independent album somewhere in between, along with some other stuff! Life’s a movie. Thank You,” Aitch wrote on Instagram as 2025 came to a close, sharing snapshots of his adventures and achievements. Fans and friends flooded the comments, expressing admiration and excitement for what lies ahead. “You are wondrous x,” wrote Tom Read Wilson, I’m A Celebrity’s runner-up, while others chimed in with, “What an amazing year you’ve had, can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store for you,” and “Your going straight to the top, you are more than deserving of everything coming your way.”
But it wasn’t just the music charts and mountain peaks that defined Aitch’s year. In November, he headed to Australia to compete alongside eleven other celebrities in the latest season of I’m A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!. There, viewers were treated to a new side of the rapper—one marked by camaraderie, humor, and a much-discussed friendship with fellow contestant Shona McGarty. Their playful banter and mutual support sparked rumors of a budding jungle romance, with hosts Ant and Dec even joining in the teasing. However, both parties have since set the record straight.
“I mean, I’m like over 10 years older than him, and honestly, the rumours are rubbish. He is like my little brother, I was like his older sister, and we just had the same energy level, we were just hyper and silly, and that’s why we got on,” McGarty explained in an interview on Lorraine, putting to rest any speculation about romance and highlighting the genuine bond formed in the jungle.
Ultimately, Aitch finished fourth in the competition, narrowly missing a spot in the final, but he was quick to celebrate his close friend Angry Ginge’s victory as king of the jungle. The experience, by all accounts, left a lasting impression on Aitch, introducing him to a broader audience and reinforcing his reputation as both an artist and a down-to-earth personality.
Meanwhile, Shona McGarty emerged from the jungle not only as a fan favorite but also as an unexpected beauty icon. The former EastEnders star, known for her role as Whitney Dean, delighted followers by embracing her natural complexion on and off camera. As reported by OK! and Daily Record, McGarty took to Instagram in late December to share her affordable, low-maintenance beauty routine, a move that resonated with her fans.
“I went makeup-free today, and it felt really good. You all saw my bare face in the jungle, so I feel I have nothing to hide,” she wrote, accompanying a series of ‘get ready with me’ videos. Her routine centers on Revolution Pro’s CC Perfecting Skin Tint, a lightweight, shade-adapting product priced at £10.99. The skin tint, which starts off white and adapts to the user’s skin tone thanks to micro-encapsulated pigments, offers a natural, soft-focus finish and is enriched with vitamin E for added nourishment and glow.
McGarty’s approach to beauty is refreshingly relatable. She also swears by Maybelline’s Colossal Bubble mascara (£11.99) and Primark’s peachy and creamy blusher—products that are both effective and accessible to the average consumer. Her followers were quick to applaud her for championing high street brands and for her transparency in showing unfiltered, real results. “Love that you’re using a lot of high street brands that the average person can go and buy. Too many creators use high-end products gifted to them that we can’t afford,” one follower commented. Another praised her for forgoing filters, while others clamored for a deeper dive into her skincare routine.
The response to McGarty’s candid posts highlights a growing appetite for authenticity in celebrity culture. In an era dominated by airbrushed perfection and influencer marketing, her willingness to go makeup-free and spotlight affordable products struck a chord. As OK! noted, the Revolution Pro CC Perfecting Skin Tint has since garnered attention for its blend of skincare and makeup benefits, offering buildable, breathable coverage without the heaviness of traditional foundations—perfect for those who want even skin without a cakey look.
Of course, the jungle experience itself played a role in shaping both stars’ perspectives. For Aitch, the challenges of the Australian wilderness were just another chapter in a year defined by personal growth, resilience, and giving back. For McGarty, the stripped-back environment offered an opportunity to embrace her natural self, a lesson she’s carried into her post-jungle life.
As 2026 dawns, both Aitch and McGarty find themselves at exciting crossroads. The rapper’s ascent shows no signs of slowing, with fans eager to see what creative ventures he’ll tackle next. McGarty, meanwhile, has carved out a new niche as a relatable beauty influencer, her honest approach to self-care and makeup earning her a loyal following beyond the soap opera world.
Their journeys, while distinct, are united by a common thread: authenticity. Whether it’s climbing mountains for charity, surviving the jungle, or sharing unfiltered beauty routines, Aitch and McGarty have shown that staying true to oneself—flaws, quirks, and all—is the real secret to winning hearts. And if their social media feeds are any indication, their fans are cheering them on every step of the way.
With a year like this behind them, it’s anyone’s guess what 2026 will bring. But one thing’s for sure: both stars have left an indelible mark on the public consciousness, not just for their talents, but for their willingness to let the world see them—unfiltered and unafraid.
