Former EastEnders star Shona McGarty has confirmed her relationship with former co-star Tony Discipline, stating she has always felt he was “The One” after knowing each other for 15 years, according to an interview with The Sun. The actors, who played on-screen couple Whitney Dean and Tyler Moon on the BBC soap opera, recently went public with their romance by sharing matching tattoos and holiday photographs on Instagram.
Shona McGarty and Tony Discipline Rekindle Connection After 15 Years
Shona McGarty, 34, revealed she is “smitten” and feels more cared for than ever before in her relationship with 37-year-old Tony Discipline, according to The Sun. The pair first met on the set of EastEnders, where Tony played Tyler Moon for two years before departing the soap in 2013. Shona remained on the show as Whitney Dean until her exit in 2024. After maintaining a long friendship, the former co-stars reconnected and started a relationship, according to statements given to The Sun. “We’ve been friends since meeting on EastEnders – we’ve known each other for 15 years, but for a long time it felt to me like it could be more,” Shona told The Sun.
Moving Past Previous Engagements Into a New Romance
The new relationship follows the end of Shona’s engagement to Irish guitarist David Bracken, whom she met after he messaged her on TikTok in 2023, according to reports. David proposed to Shona in London’s Holland Park, but the couple mutually called off their engagement last November before Shona appeared on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! Following her split, Shona and Tony sparked initial romance rumors in May when they made a joint red carpet appearance at the Women’s Football Awards. Fans speculated about a potential “soft-launch” after the pair posed together for photographs. By last month, the couple confirmed their relationship by sharing loved-up holiday snaps on Instagram, including images of them holding hands during dinner and Tony wrapping his arms around Shona.
Matching Tattoos and Keeping Things Label-Free
The couple documented a trip to a tattoo parlour last month, proudly displaying their new inkings on social media, which included a toaster with bread, a pineapple, and a palm tree. Despite the public displays of affection and matching tattoos, sources close to the couple have indicated they are keeping things label-free as they enjoy getting to know each other. A source told The Sun that Shona is taking things slow after past experiences and wants to enjoy her time with Tony without intense public scrutiny. “This could be a summer romance or it could be the real deal. Either way, until they’re sure, they won’t be putting a label on things,” the source told The Sun. Tony, who left acting to pursue a career as a firefighter, was referred to by Shona as an “old-school gentleman” who treats her like a lady.
Did you know? Shona McGarty played Whitney Dean on EastEnders before her departure in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Shona McGarty dating?
Shona McGarty is dating her former EastEnders co-star Tony Discipline, who played Tyler Moon on the BBC soap opera.
How long have Shona McGarty and Tony Discipline known each other?
The pair have known each other for 15 years after first meeting on the set of EastEnders.
What does Tony Discipline do now?
After leaving acting in 2013, Tony Discipline transitioned to a career as a firefighter.
How did Shona and Tony confirm their relationship?
The couple confirmed their romance by sharing matching tattoos and loved-up holiday photographs on Instagram.
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