28 December 2023 , 16:26
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EastEnders actress Shona McGarty has been seen cuddled up to a former co-star as rumours that she's engaged to her Irish musicIan boyfriend continue to grow.
The actress, who is best known for her role as Whitney Dean in the BBC soap, has been seen hugging pal Harry Reid who has also previously appeared in Albert Square. The pair are starring together in pantomime in a production of the Beauty and the Beast at Dartford's Orchard Theatre. In the production, which runs until December 31, Shona takes on the role of Belle whilst Harry is her sidekick Silly Billy.
Harry, who previously played Ben Mitchell from 2014 until 2018, shared a snap of himself and Shona as they posed at the theatre. He told Instagram fans: "Last few days working with this little [diamond Emoji icon]." Shona replied in the comments as she added: "Been the blooming best working with you again!!! Xxx".
Shona McGarty was seen with actor Harry Reid, as the pair star in pantomime together
Shona McGarty and David Bracken have sparked engagement rumours after the actress was spotted with a ring on her left hand (Instagram)Irish musician David Bracken, who Shona confirmed she was dating in September, also commented on the snap as he wrote: "I remember taking that. Love ye".
Shona and the Irish singer have been dating for a few months but rumours they might have taken their relationship to the next stage have been growing after Shona was spotted with an engagement ring on her left hand leading fans to believe David had proposed. Shona also made their relationship Instagram official as she uploaded a snap of herself with her Irish beau, as she told fans: "My whole world @davidirishband."
EastEnders' Jake Wood's snap of son has fans pointing out the pair's likeness
In another snap of the loved up pair she wrote: "And then my soul saw you, and went.. ‘Oh there you are!' 'I’ve been looking for you.' Totally obsessed… in a really healthy way...".
Shona is best known for playing Whitney Dean for the past 15 years, but will leave EastEnders next year (BBC/Jack Barnes/Kieron McCarron)Shona is also gearing up for a huge career stage as it's been confirmed that Whitney Dean will be leaving Albert Square, with Shona's last scenes set to air next year. The actress has starred in the BBC soap for 15 years with numerous dramatic storylines including sexual abuse, murder and the death of daughter Peach, and has described leaving the soap as not 'an easy decision' to make. She told Inside Soap: "It wasn't an easy decision because I've made so many friends. I've seen people come and go, and meanwhile, Whitney has been one of the longest-standing characters. I've had so much fun and done so many storylines, some of which have been sensitive, and I've been honoured to be trusted with such heavy stuff year after year."
She added: "So I'm going to be sad to say goodbye to my friends and family, but it was the right decision for me as I want to do other things."
The Mirror has reached out to Shona's representatives for comment on this story.