British actress Shona McGarty, known for her long-standing role as Whitney Dean in EastEnders, has announced her engagement to Irish musician David Bracken. The proposal took place during a romantic outing in Holland Park, London, where David got down on one knee in the picturesque Kyoto Garden.

The couple, who began dating last year, were enjoying a picnic when the unexpected arrival of police officers almost disrupted the moment. In an interview with OK! Magazine, David revealed that officers were preparing to close the park just as he was about to propose. “I approached them and explained that I was moments away from proposing,” he recalled. “One of them checked his watch and kindly gave me a few extra minutes, wishing me the best of luck.”

David then led Shona to the park’s serene waterfall area, where he played their favourite song and asked her to dance. It was during this intimate moment that he proposed. Shona, who is fond of Japanese culture and drawn to the peaceful atmosphere of Kyoto Garden, said she was completely taken by surprise. “He brought a picnic, which I thought was really sweet,” she said. “I was just enjoying the moment – I didn’t suspect a proposal at all.”

Their love story began through social media, when David, unaware of Shona’s fame, messaged her on TikTok after being impressed by her singing. He asked if she would be interested in performing a duet, which eventually led to them forming a deeper connection.

Reflecting on their relationship, Shona described it as unlike anything she had experienced before. “It just felt different,” she explained. “From early on, I had this feeling that he was the one.”

Now planning their future together, the couple revealed they have already begun discussing wedding ideas. They’ve been exploring colour themes and potential venues and are considering a Christmas wedding next year. Ireland, where both have close family ties, is likely to be the chosen location for their big day.

Shona also hinted at a star-studded guest list, sharing that many of her EastEnders co-stars will be invited. “They’ve been such a significant part of my journey, both professionally and personally,” she said.

The actress first shared a glimpse of her relationship with David last September, posting a black-and-white photo on social media of their hands intertwined. The image subtly revealed David’s tattoo and was captioned with the words, “I promise,” accompanied by a romantic quote from John Lennon: “Love is a promise, love is a souvenir, once given never forgotten, never let it disappear.”

As preparations begin for their wedding, fans of the couple are celebrating the joyful news. Shona’s engagement marks a new chapter for the actress, who recently bid farewell to her iconic soap character after more than 16 years on EastEnders.