'It's a feeling I've never had before about a person'
OK! UK|July 22, 2024
Former EastEnders star Shona McGarty and fiancé David Bracken talk exclusively to OK! about his proposal and their plans for the future
INDIGO STAFFORD
'It's a feeling I've never had before about a person'

Former EastEnders icon Shona McGarty and her new fiancé, musician David Bracken, look absolutely besotted with each other as they pose for an exclusive shoot with OK! to announce their engagement. Despite playing the Albert Square legend Whitney Dean, the adopted daughter of Bianca (Patsy Palmer) for 16 years, Shona says David had "no clue" about her EastEnders fame. It was actually their love of music that brought the two together. David, 35, who plays in an Irish band called Blessed, and Shona, who loves to share her passion for singing by posting her incredible covers of songs on social media, discovered each other while scrolling on TikTok.

While it was an incredibly difficult decision for Shona to walk away from EastEnders, she tells us it was something she had to do for both her personal and professional life, with the star swapping long days of filming for more quality time at home with her family, friends and beloved fiancé.

Now, Shona, 32, who left the BBC soap in May, has entered a new and exciting chapter of her life, with a wedding to plan - as well as a starring role in the Irish cast of 2:22 A Ghost Story, alongside Laura Whitmore.

Relaxed and positively glowing with happiness, Shona admits that she has never felt more free than she does now, as she looks forward to a bright future, sharing with us her next dream role, Strictly Come Dancing plans and hopes to one day start a family...

Congratulations on your engagement, you two! Take us back to how you first met...

Shona: We actually met on TikTok. David is a really amazing guitarist, he's in a band and it came up on my FYP [For You Page], so I liked a video. And then, I got a message from David on TikTok saying, "I've seen your singing videos, I'd love to do a duet with you." I said, "Oh, yeah, definitely, I think you're amazing." But I was so busy with EastEnders that it took me eight months to message him back.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 22, 2024-Ausgabe von OK! UK.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 22, 2024-Ausgabe von OK! UK.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS OK! UKAlle anzeigen
I'm not cool, I'm just Mammy'
OK! UK

I'm not cool, I'm just Mammy'

Fresh from surviving Celebrity Bear Hunt, singer and single mum Una Healy opens up on life back in her Irish hometown, returning to the dating scene and why she’d love a Saturdays reunion

time-read
5 Minuten  |
February 17, 2025
KATE'S PICTURE PERFECT TRIP
OK! UK

KATE'S PICTURE PERFECT TRIP

A group of reception class pupils got a royal treat when the Princess Of Wales joined them for a school outing to the National Portrait Gallery

time-read
6 Minuten  |
February 17, 2025
'It's a bit like jumping out of a plane
OK! UK

'It's a bit like jumping out of a plane

Actor David Tennant takes a leap of faith once again as he returns to host the 2025 EE Bafta Film Awards

time-read
3 Minuten  |
February 17, 2025
'The small things you do today can add up to you feeling a bit better'
OK! UK

'The small things you do today can add up to you feeling a bit better'

Journalist Ranvir Singh on parenting, falling in love and why we should make the most of our UK waterways

time-read
4 Minuten  |
February 17, 2025
BEYONCE MAKES HISTORY AT THE GRAMMYS
OK! UK

BEYONCE MAKES HISTORY AT THE GRAMMYS

Cowboy Carter wins three gongs at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards – including a first for Black women

time-read
3 Minuten  |
February 17, 2025
On balance
OK! UK

On balance

Achieve your level best with these delicious and nutritious meals that reset and refresh

time-read
2 Minuten  |
February 17, 2025
I'm vanilla in the bedroom'
OK! UK

I'm vanilla in the bedroom'

Comedian and mum-of-three Katherine Ryan opens up about her sex life and making babies

time-read
5 Minuten  |
February 17, 2025
I'll see it as one of the greatest blessings'
OK! UK

I'll see it as one of the greatest blessings'

TV star Davina McCall gives the first interview since her brain operation and reveals how it has changed her life

time-read
5 Minuten  |
February 17, 2025
'This is what I have to do - it's life or death'
OK! UK

'This is what I have to do - it's life or death'

Actress Pamela Anderson on her return to the spotlight with her new film role and leaving behind a legacy to be proud of

time-read
5 Minuten  |
February 10, 2025
BRIDGET IS BACK
OK! UK

BRIDGET IS BACK

Renée Zellweger and Hugh Grant were among the stars on the pink carpet for the London premiere of Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy

time-read
3 Minuten  |
February 10, 2025