As the final of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! 2025 approaches, one columnist has experienced a dramatic shift in allegiance. While content creator Angry Ginge had captured their heart for most of the series, a standout performance from Shona McGarty in the final week has completely changed the game.
From Skeptic to Supporter: The Angry Ginge Effect
The writer admits to initially scoffing at the inclusion of TikTok star Angry Ginge, whose real name is Morgan Burtwistle. With over 2.2 million TikTok followers and a huge social media presence, he represented a new breed of 'streamer' celebrity that felt alien compared to campmates like Martin Kemp or Ruby Wax.
However, this skepticism quickly faded. Away from his laddy dynamic with rapper Aitch, Ginge revealed a softer, emotionally intelligent side, forming a particularly touching friendship with Ruby Wax. His lack of traditional 'star' airs endeared him to the mainstream audience, many of whom had never heard of him before the series began on ITV.
He is now neck-and-neck with Aitch in the bookies' odds, though the writer notes a potential flaw: their shared fanbase may split votes, opening the door for a surprise result.
The Dark Horse Emerges: Shona McGarty's Quiet Triumph
The pivotal shift came in the final stretch. While the writer would have been happy to see Ginge or Aitch win, their celebration of stealing sweets from campmates felt undignified. This opened the door for Shona McGarty, the former EastEnders actress, to seize the crown in their eyes.
McGarty had been understated for much of the series, with a early highlight being her graceful discussion of a broken engagement just weeks before entering the jungle. Her tender moment with Tom Read Wilson, away from the cameras, showed a vulnerability rare in reality TV.
Her breakthrough came on Tuesday night's episode (December 2025), when she tackled her first solo Bushtucker Trial. Dressed as a pirate, she navigated a wobbly plank 100 feet in the air to collect stars. She completed the challenge with a carefree, heroic spirit, coming agonisingly close to a full set of nine stars.
A Champion's Qualities: Grit, Dignity and Heart
Since that trial, McGarty has continued to impress. She stood her ground when Jack Osbourne tried to take over her kitchen duties and unexpectedly revealed a talent for yodelling, delivering a captivating performance that won over even the most music-averse viewer.
The writer concludes that while Aitch or Angry Ginge remain the likely winners—a worthy result—Shona McGarty has shown the true makings of an I'm A Celebrity champion. She possesses grit, dignity, and a beautiful heart, emerging as the unexpected jewel in the crown of a series praised for its genuine camaraderie and lack of manufactured conflict.
This 25th series, the writer argues, has found its stride in the last two years, favouring authentic friendships over the tension and controversy of earlier seasons.
