Former EastEnders co-stars Tony Discipline and Shona McGarty are considering a future together. Discipline described the actress as his soulmate while supporting her new West End production, From The Heart, at its opening night. Speaking on the red carpet at London’s Garrick Theatre, the actor indicated that marriage could be part of their future after their long-standing friendship blossomed into a romance.
Discipline, 37, arrived carrying a red rose and a gift for McGarty, 34, accompanied by a card bearing the affectionate message “Mi Amor.” The public display of affection came as McGarty began her latest theatrical venture following her departure from EastEnders in 2024, where she portrayed Whitney Dean for 16 years.
On-Screen Romance Becomes Real-Life Love Story
Asked by reporters whether their relationship was serious, Discipline responded directly about his commitment to McGarty. “Absolutely, that is the love of my life, she’s the love of my life. I don’t want anyone else. That’s my woman, that’s my soulmate,” he stated.
Reflecting on their shared history on the BBC soap opera, Discipline explained how their connection evolved over a decade. “We were boyfriend and girlfriend in the show so you build up some kind of rapport. Maybe there was some kind of underlying chemistry there, but in the last year or so it’s really gone up a notch. She is just absolutely incredible.”
The pair famously played lovers on EastEnders more than ten years ago. Shona portrayed feisty Whitney Dean, while Tony starred as Tyler Moon from 2011 until 2013. Their fictional characters shared a tumultuous storyline filled with drama, which ultimately concluded with Tyler’s departure from Albert Square. Meanwhile, Whitney remained in Walford for another decade before her exit, though she made a one-off return earlier this year.
Past Relationships and Recent Chapters
Shona’s romance with Tony follows her split from her former fiancé, Irish guitarist David Bracken, with whom she broke off an engagement prior to appearing on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! last November. During her time in the jungle, she also faced brief romance speculation involving campmate Aitch.
The actress has a history of dating within the EastEnders cast. She was previously in relationships with Matt Lapinskas-who played Tyler Moon’s on-screen brother Anthony Moon-and Max Bowden, who portrayed Ben Mitchell. Meanwhile, Tony previously dated Shona’s friend and co-star Jacqueline Jossa, who plays Lauren Branning.
West End Opening Night Support
Discipline was present to support McGarty as she took to the stage for From The Heart, a sold-out celebration of Oscar-winning lyricist Don Black’s career. The 15-performance run at the Garrick Theatre features classic hits and new material from film, theatre, and television.
During the star-studded evening-which was attended by notable figures including Dame Maureen Lipman, Cheryl Fergison, and Brenda Blethyn-McGarty performed numbers on stage, including a rendition of the iconic EastEnders theme tune. With their professional paths crossing once again and a strong personal bond established, Discipline’s recent comments suggest the couple are firmly looking toward a shared future together.
