Shona McGarty makes her I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! debut tonight (November 16), but many fans are curious about her current romantic life. Best known for her long-running role as Whitney Dean on BBC’s EastEnders since 2008, Shona has had a series of high-profile relationships over the years (BBC).

Here’s a look at Shona’s love life, from co-star romances to her recent engagement.

Early Romance with EastEnders Co-Star Matt Lapinskas

While working on EastEnders, Shona began dating co-star Matt Lapinskas, who played Anthony Moon, in 2011. According to Matt, it was “love at first sight.” He told Closer in 2012:

"I had seen Shona on TV and always thought she had a gorgeous smile, but it is all about the personality. When I met her, we just clicked. It really was love at first sight."

The pair bonded over music, with Matt on guitar and Shona singing in each other’s dressing rooms. However, the relationship ended in 2013 after two years. Reflecting on the breakup in 2014, Matt described the challenges of dating Shona:

"Shona had no interest in being there for me. All she was interested in was going out partying until 2am… This was a regular thing – she would go out during the week and most weekends." (HuffPost UK, The Sun)

Fiancé Ryan Harris and an Engagement Story

After her split from Matt, Shona began dating electrician Ryan Harris, with the couple getting engaged in 2018 during a surprise birthday party. Shona recalled the proposal to OK! magazine:

"Ryan asked me to cut the birthday cake and I was like: ‘Why? We’re not getting married.’ But I did it, and there was a box on the top of the cake. He asked me to open it — inside was a ring, and he was down on one knee. I started crying."

Despite their engagement, Shona and Ryan ended things in 2020 after six years together. She told The Sun’s Fabulous Magazine:

"It wasn’t a bad break-up, it was amicable. We both came to the decision that this isn’t what we really want. I’ve learned that I’m alright, I’m happy by myself and I don’t need a man."

Short-Lived Romance with Max Bowden

Shona also dated EastEnders co-star Max Bowden, who plays Ben Mitchell, from May to October 2022. Their six-month romance ended when Max became a father with his ex-partner Roisin. Despite the split, the pair remained friends, and Shona has spoken warmly about Max’s family:

"We’re actually better than ever. It’s a friendship, we’re in such a good place. You take a risk, and you do something and it doesn’t work out, but that’s life, you’ve got to take that risk." (The Sun)

Whirlwind Romance and Engagement with David Bracken

In 2023, Shona began dating Irish musician David Bracken, lead guitarist of the duo Blessed. The couple went Instagram official, and their connection quickly became serious. Speaking to EVOKE, Shona described their first meeting:

"We met on TikTok, a video popped up on my feed and he was playing the guitar. I just said it was amazing. He messaged me and said: ‘I’d love to do a duet with you.’"

In July 2024, David proposed during a romantic picnic in Holland Park, London. The proposal was nearly interrupted as the park was closing, prompting David to ask a police officer for a few extra minutes to pop the question. Shona later told OK! magazine:

"He went over to the police, who said: ‘Sorry we are just closing up the park.’ He said: ‘Of course, and best of luck.’"

Split Rumours and Current Status

In November 2025, there were reports that Shona and David had ended their engagement. The actress was spotted without her engagement ring ahead of her I’m a Celebrity… stint, prompting speculation about a split. A source told The Sun:

"They are on amicable terms but have ended their romantic relationship. There are no hard feelings; they realized they wanted different things and are better off as friends. Shona is now focusing on her music and career."

However, ahead of her time in the jungle, Shona’s press release suggested she remains close to David:

"Both her fiancé and family are incredibly excited about Shona going into the jungle. ‘It will be the longest time my fiancé and I have been apart,’ she adds."

This has left fans questioning whether Shona and David are still together or maintaining a long-distance engagement.