Tony Discipline Signals Marriage Plans With Shona McGarty

Former EastEnders co-stars Shona McGarty and Tony Discipline have indicated that marriage could be part of their future, as their relationship grows more serious. Discipline shared his feelings while attending the opening night of McGarty's West End production, From The Heart, where he supported the actress and spoke about their long-standing connection.

According to comments reported by The Sun and covered by AOL and Evoke on October 9, 2026, Discipline described McGarty as the love of his life when asked about the possibility of a wedding. The couple confirmed their romance earlier this year after maintaining a friendship for approximately 15 years.

Discipline, 37, arrived at the theater carrying a red rose and a present for McGarty, 34. He also brought a card bearing the words "Mi Amor xxx," a gesture that accompanied his public declaration of affection.

Asked whether marriage could happen soon, Discipline expressed confidence in their relationship.

"Absolutely that’s the love of my life. I’ve known her a long time." Discipline told The Sun.

The couple first met when Discipline joined the BBC soap EastEnders as Tyler Moon. His character became romantically involved with McGarty's character, Whitney Dean, before he left the series in 2013. McGarty departed the soap in 2024 after playing Whitney for 16 years.

Discipline explained that their earlier friendship had not developed into a romantic relationship because they were both involved with other people. He said their feelings had become more apparent over the past year.

"We’ve always had partners, so we never stepped over the line. But in the last year or so our chemistry has really come to light." Discipline said.

He also praised McGarty's personality and singing voice, describing their relationship in strongly affectionate terms during the red-carpet interview.

"She’s just the best woman in the world." Discipline told The Sun.

McGarty's performance in From The Heart marked an important professional moment, and Discipline attended to show his support after seeing the effort she had invested in preparing for the production. His appearance also drew attention to the couple's recently confirmed relationship.

Discipline elaborated on the qualities he values in McGarty, highlighting her humor, energy, and ability to make him laugh. He also expressed appreciation for her vocal ability.

"Her energy, she’s so funny, she makes me laugh every day. I’m a very lucky man, I’m a very lucky man to have her and she’s got a beautiful voice hasn’t she?" Discipline said.

The actor then made clear that he sees McGarty as his long-term partner.

"I don’t want anyone else in my life. That’s my woman, that’s my soulmate." Discipline said.

McGarty had also spoken positively about their connection. In a social media post featuring Discipline at the production launch, she called him her "my gorgeous man" and previously said she had "always had a soft spot" for her former co-star.

Their romance first attracted public attention in March when they shared a photograph together on St. Patrick's Day. They subsequently posted pictures from a romantic holiday, including moments on a jet ski, evenings out, and playful photographs featuring fake mustaches. The pair also reportedly got matching palm tree tattoos during the trip.

The relationship began after a period of friendship that stretched back to their time working together on EastEnders. Discipline said their romantic chemistry had emerged more clearly only in the past year, despite their long acquaintance.

McGarty's new relationship follows the end of her engagement to Irish guitarist David Bracken. Bracken proposed at London's Holland Park after the pair met in 2023, when he contacted her on TikTok and asked her to duet with him after watching one of her videos. They later mutually ended their relationship before McGarty entered the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! jungle last November.

Although Discipline has suggested that marriage is a possibility, the couple have not announced a wedding date. They are also not currently living together, though he indicated that their living arrangements could change in the near future.