After more than a decade as one of British television’s most familiar faces, Shona McGarty is stepping out from behind the camera and into the recording studio. The former EastEnders star has officially launched her music career with the release of her debut single, ‘Unapologetically Me’.
Released on October 30th, the track marks Shona’s long-anticipated transition from acting to music — and she’s doing it with confidence, heart, and a powerhouse vocal performance that demands to be heard.
Produced by Steve Anderson, best known for his work with Kylie Minogue, Britney Spears, and Westlife, ‘Unapologetically Me’ is a lush pop ballad infused with gospel harmonies and sweeping strings. The production gives McGarty’s voice — rich, emotive, and unmistakably theatrical — room to soar.
“I wrote ‘Unapologetically Me’ as a reminder to myself, and to anyone who’s ever felt pressure to be someone they’re not, that it’s okay to simply be who you are,” Shona explains. “Having spent years in the public eye, surrounded by glitz, glam, and expectation, I’ve often felt the need to play a character, to present a polished version of myself that fits what people want to see. But beneath all that, I’m just human, I’m silly, sensitive, strong, and imperfect, and that’s okay. This song is about stripping away those layers and celebrating authenticity. It’s a declaration of freedom, of learning to love every part of myself, and of standing proud in my truth. Unapologetically.”
That sense of liberation runs through every line. McGarty, who grew up performing in musical theatre before joining EastEnders at just 16, has spent much of her adult life in the public eye. Her debut single feels like a reclamation — a moment of self-definition beyond the character roles and red carpets.
‘Unapologetically Me’ doesn’t just showcase Shona’s vocal talent; it introduces a new artist determined to tell her own story on her own terms. The single’s emotive chorus and empowering message fit comfortably alongside the work of contemporary British pop voices like Freya Ridings and Jess Glynne — singers who blend soulful delivery with confessional songwriting.
With more new music already in the works, McGarty’s debut marks the beginning of a promising new chapter. Whether she’s commanding a TV screen or a microphone, one thing’s certain: Shona McGarty is finally, and unapologetically, herself.
‘Unapologetically Me’ is available now on all major streaming platforms.