EastEnders Shona McGarty shows off new sparkler as she’s seen for first time since engagement to David Bracken
Shona recently left her role as Whitney Dean in EastEnders after 16 years in the BBC soap
BBC actress Shona McGarty has flashed her new engagement ring after announcing her engagement to partner David Bracken.
Former EastEnders actress Shona beamed for pictures as she showed off the sparkling diamond and emerald ring given to her by Irish musician boyfriend David Bracken.
The pair have been dating since last year, with the pair appearing to fall quickly in love with Shona confirming the pair’s romance via Instagram with a black and white picture of them holding hands with a romantic quote.
David, who is the lead guitarist of the Galway-based band Blessed, popped the question in the Japanese Kyoto Garden in London’s Holland Park with a romantic proposal.
In a new interview with OK!, David explained: “I told Shona to go stand at the waterfall in the park.
“I then put on our favourite song and had a dance with her before getting down on one knee.”
Shona added: “I love Japanese culture and the spirituality of it. He brought a picnic which was really sweet.
“It was lovely, I was in my element but I didn’t think he was going to propose at all.”
Shona, who received an emerald ring from her man, admitted she’s already been browsing wedding dresses.
The couple met through TikTok when David, taken by Shona’s singing voice, messaged her asking if she’d like to collaborate.
He insists he had no idea she was famous before contacting her, but his message wasn’t answered straight away, instead he waited months and months for a response.
They eventually went on to have an hour-long 4am phone call and haven’t looked back since.
Earlier this year, Shona stepped away from EastEnders after 16 years as her on-screen character Whitney left Albert Square with newborn daughter Dolly and foster daughter Britney Wainwright, revealing she was moving to Wakefield to be near brother Ryan Malloy.
The exit marks the end of the actress’ 16 year stint as Whitney, after she broke the news in July last year to fans.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun on Sunday, Shona shared: “I have decided to spread my wings and will be leaving EastEnders. I have loved my years in the show.
“I have been trusted with some incredible storylines and have made amazing friendships — and family — which will endure.”
