Shona McGarty makes her long-awaited I’m A Celebrity debut tonight (November 16), and naturally, fans are curious: Who is she dating now — and what’s the story behind her past high-profile romances?

The actress first found fame in 2008 when she stepped onto Albert Square as Whitney Dean in BBC’s EastEnders, quickly becoming one of the soap’s most recognisable faces. Over the years, Shona’s on-screen drama has often mirrored her off-screen love life, which has included actors, musicians, and even a fiancé whose proposal involved an unexpected police cameo.

Below, we take a deeper look inside Shona’s romantic timeline.

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Shona McGarty and EastEnders Co-Star Matt Lapinskas

Shona began her most public early relationship in 2011 when she started dating her EastEnders co-star Matt Lapinskas, who played Anthony Moon. According to Matt, it was immediate chemistry.

“I’d seen Shona on TV and always thought she had a gorgeous smile… When I met her, we just clicked. It really was love at first sight,” he told Closer in 2012.

The pair bonded closely over their mutual love of music — Matt played guitar, and Shona, widely praised for her vocal talent, often sang in their dressing rooms. Their connection grew quickly, but the love story didn’t last.

By 2013, after two years together, the couple ended things. Matt later described the relationship as “like hell,” claiming Shona preferred late-night partying, which caused strain between them (HuffPost UK, citing The Sun on Sunday).

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Engagement to Electrician Ryan Harris

Following her split from Matt, Shona found more grounded romance with electrician Ryan Harris. The couple’s relationship blossomed, and in 2018, Ryan proposed during Shona’s surprise birthday celebration — a moment she has since described as emotional and unforgettable.

“He asked me to cut the cake, and when I opened the box on top, there was a ring. I turned around, and he was on one knee,” she told OK! Magazine.

Despite their six-year relationship, the couple announced their breakup in 2020. Shona later reflected on the split, saying:
“It wasn’t a bad breakup; it was mutual. We weren’t the same people anymore.”
She later added in The Sun’s Fabulous Magazine: “I’ve learned I’m happy by myself — I don’t need a man.”

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A Brief Romance With Another EastEnders Favourite: Max Bowden

In 2022, Shona embarked on a whirlwind six-month romance with co-star Max Bowden, who plays Ben Mitchell. Their relationship developed quickly, though it reportedly ended amicably when Max welcomed his first child with ex-girlfriend Roisin.

Despite the split, Shona and Max remained friends and continued to speak fondly of each other publicly. At the British Soap Awards, Shona even praised Max’s mother, saying:
“I adore her. It’s lovely to catch up.”

Of Max, she added:
“We took a risk — it didn’t work out, but that’s life. We’re better than ever as friends.”
(The Independent and Digital Spy have both reported positively on their continued friendship.)

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The TikTok Love Story: Shona and Irish Musician David Bracken

Shona found love again in 2023 with Irish musician David Bracken — a guitarist known for performing with the Irish duo Blessed for over a decade.

Shona revealed their modern-day meet-cute began on TikTok:
“A video popped up of him playing guitar — in this mad, incredible style — and I commented. I didn’t fancy him; I just liked the playing. Then he messaged asking if I’d duet with him.”

Their connection grew rapidly, and by July 2024, David proposed during a romantic picnic in Holland Park. In a humorous twist, police nearly interrupted the moment as the park was closing.

“I asked the officer for five minutes because I was about to propose,” David told OK! Magazine. “He checked his watch and said: ‘Of course — best of luck.’”

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Split Rumours — And Shona’s Jungle Clarification

In November, reports surfaced that Shona and David had ended their engagement. Paparazzi photos of Shona without her ring — including at the airport en route to Australia — fueled speculation.

A source told The Sun:
“They are on amicable terms but realised they wanted different things. Shona is focusing on her music and career.”

However, Shona’s pre-show I’m A Celebrity interview appeared to contradict these rumours. In the official ITV press release, she said:

“It will be the longest time my fiancé and I have been apart.”

Given the conflicting reports, fans remain unsure — but it appears Shona and David may still be together despite the brief media storm. The Independent and Radio Times have both noted the ambiguity surrounding their relationship status.

ED! has contacted Shona’s representatives for clarification.