Shona McGarty dropped huge clue she was dating EastEnders hunk THREE months ago – but nobody noticed

EASTENDERS star Shona McGarty dropped a huge clue she was dating an EastEnders hunk THREE months ago – but nobody noticed.

Shona, 34, and Tony Discipline, 36, previously played a sizzling couple on the BBC One soap, and have lately set tongues wagging after being spotted out together, with fans thinking they recently “soft launched” their romance.

 

Women's Football Awards, London, UK - 07 May 2026

Former EastEnders star Shona McGarty dropped a hint months ago she is dating former co-star Credit: BackGrid

EastEnders 2012

The pair played on screen couple Whitney and Tyler on EastEnders Credit: BBC

But it now appears that Shona, who played Whitney on EastEnders, dropped a hint they could be dating, way before reports of a romance started.

It came when the stunning actress was seen showing her appreciation for one of Tony’s videos.

In the clip, the actor, who played Walford bad boy Tyler Moon on the BBC soap, showed off his incredible body transformation after putting on “ten pounds over Christmas”.

In response to this, Shona was seen swooning over his impressive new bod with a series of fire emojis.

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Shona showed her appreciation for Tony’s body transformation video in January Credit: Instagram

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The pair were seen getting cosy in March Credit: Instagram/Shonabmx

However, this show of affection went completely unnoticed by fans.

Rumours of romance started in March, after the pair thrilled fans when they shared a sweet selfie together on St Patrick’s Day.

Sharing the moment, Shona posted the surprise reunion on Instagram with the caption: “What are the chances.”

Having last appeared on screen together more than a decade ago, the pair looked delighted to be reunited as they posed for a sweet selfie.

 

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Davis Essex in EastEnders

Tony played infamous Walford bad boy Tyler Moon Credit: BBC

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Shona waved goodbye to her EastEnders character Whitney in 2024 Credit: BBC

Then, last Thursday they were seen posing together at the Women’s Football Awards.

The pair looked cosy as they had their photo taken on the red carpet at the glitzy event.

Both Shona and Tony beamed for the camera, as the actor wrapped his arm tightly around his former co-star’s waist.

They both were dressed up for the occasion, with Shona looking stunning in a lowcut black cocktail dress.

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Tony left showbiz to join the London Fire Brigade Credit: instagram/tonydiscipline

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While Shona placed an impressive third on I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here! last yearCredit: Refer to source

Days later, the pair then sent fans into meltdown after they both posted their red carpet snaps on their Instagram grids.

Their followers took this as a huge sign that this was their way of “soft launching” their romance.

Tony shot to fame 15 years ago on EastEnders playing Tyler, one of Albert Square’s most notorious young troublemakers.

The character arrived in Walford in 2011 as part of the infamous Moon family.

Tyler was the son of Eddie Moon, played by music legend David Essex.

During his time on the show he became embroiled in a fiery romance with Shona’s character Whitney.

At one point, the pair were the most talked-about young couples in soap.

Tony remained on the BBC soap for about two years before leaving in 2013.

The TV star has since traded EastEnders for a new life working as a firefighter for the London Fire Brigade.

Speaking of his new job, Tony previously told The Sun: “I love it. Every day is different and you feel you’re helping your community.

“It can be quite dangerous but you’re trained to deal with those situations.”

Shona, meanwhile, first appeared on EastEnders in 2008 and became one of the soap’s most recognisable characters.

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The actress eventually decided to leave Walford for good in 2024 after an impressive 15-year stint on the show.

Since quitting EastEnders, she has turned her attention to theatre.