Updated: November 28, 2025
Hey there, soap fans and reality TV junkies! If you’ve been glued to I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! this season, you’ve probably fallen for Shona McGarty’s infectious energy and raw honesty. The former EastEnders star, who bid farewell to Whitney Dean after 16 unforgettable years, parachuted into the jungle just weeks after a major life shake-up: calling off her engagement. But let’s rewind—Shona’s love life has been a rollercoaster of sweet highs and amicable lows, full of on-set sparks and real-world connections. Today, we’re diving into Shona McGarty ex boyfriends, from her early co-star flings to her most recent heartbreak. It’s a story of growth, resilience, and finding herself amid the spotlight. Grab a cuppa, and let’s chat about it like we’re gossiping over brunch.
Table of Contents
Early Sparks: On-Set Romance with Matt Lapinskas
Shona’s foray into love under the EastEnders lights started young and fiery. Back in 2011, at just 19, she began dating co-star Matt Lapinskas, who played her on-screen brother Anthony Trueman. What started as set camaraderie quickly turned into something more—think stolen glances between takes and post-filming dates that had everyone buzzing.
Their two-year romance (2011–2013) was the stuff of soap dreams: passionate, public, and perfectly timed with their characters’ family drama. But like many young loves, it fizzled out amid busy schedules and growing pains. Shona later reflected in interviews that it was her first real taste of balancing fame and feelings, teaching her the importance of boundaries in a high-pressure world.
- Fun fact: Matt and Shona stayed friends post-split, even collaborating on charity events.
- Lesson learned: Early relationships in the industry can be intense but invaluable for personal growth.
Though brief, this chapter set the tone for Shona’s future romances—authentic, heartfelt, and always with a dash of drama.
Steady Love and a Ring: Ryan Harris Era
Fast-forward to 2012, and Shona traded soap sets for something steadier with Ryan Harris, an electrician far removed from the glitz of TV. Their six-year relationship (2012–2018) was a breath of fresh air—a grounded, low-key love that let Shona step away from the headlines. Ryan wasn’t chasing cameras; he was the guy fixing wires while she tackled Whitney’s turbulent storylines.
Things got serious in 2017 when Ryan proposed, leading to an engagement that had fans swooning. Shona gushed about their quiet life together, from cozy nights in to weekend getaways. But by 2018, they mutually decided to part ways. In a candid chat with Fabulous magazine, Shona shared, “It wasn’t a bad break-up; it was amicable. We both realized it wasn’t what we really wanted long-term.”
- Why it worked (at first): Ryan brought normalcy to Shona’s chaotic career.
- Silver lining: The split inspired Shona to prioritize her music and self-discovery.
This era showed Shona’s knack for blending worlds—proving she’s as relatable off-screen as her character is on it.
Co-Star Chemistry: The Max Bowden Chapter
Romance has a funny way of sneaking back onto Albert Square, doesn’t it? In 2022, whispers turned to headlines when Shona was linked to Max Bowden, the hunky actor behind Ben Mitchell. Their six-month fling was electric—fueled by off-set hangs, flirty social media likes, and that undeniable co-star chemistry. Fans shipped it hard, imagining a Whitney-Ben crossover that never quite happened on-screen.
But timing is everything, and theirs clashed. Max was navigating fatherhood with his ex-partner Roisin Buckle, which ultimately led to their amicable split. Shona handled it with grace, focusing on her craft amid the tabloid storm. It’s a reminder that even in Walford’s whirlwind, real hearts beat beneath the scripts.
- Highlight: Their bond sparked some of EastEnders‘ most buzzed-about behind-the-scenes moments.
- Growth takeaway: Shona emerged stronger, channeling emotions into her acting depth.
Short but sweet, this romance highlighted Shona’s openness to love, even when it doesn’t last.
Recent Heartbreak: Saying Goodbye to David Bracken
Now, the chapter that’s got everyone talking—Shona’s whirlwind with Irish musician David Bracken. They connected on TikTok in 2023, bonding over music and shared vibes. By 2024, David had swept her off her feet with a dreamy proposal in a Kensington Japanese garden, complete with a picnic and promises of forever. Shona called it “spiritual and sweet” in an OK! interview, her eyes lighting up at the memory.
But life threw a curveball. Just weeks before jetting to Australia for I’m A Celeb (sometime in late October 2025), the pair called off their engagement. Sources say it was mutual—no drama, just two people wanting different paths. David broke his social media silence on November 17, 2025, posting a supportive pic with “Let’s go girl! You got this” as Shona debuted in the jungle. On November 27, amid camp chats about marriage, Shona teared up, admitting the fresh wound stung.
- How they met: A modern fairy tale via viral videos.
- Post-split vibe: Amicable AF—David’s cheering her on from Ireland.
- Shona’s silver lining: She’s using the show for healing, opening up about mental health too.
It’s raw, real, and oh-so-relatable. Shona’s proving breakups don’t define you—they refine you.
Shona McGarty’s Ex-Boyfriends at a Glance
To keep it simple, here’s a quick table recapping Shona’s key relationships. We’ve focused on confirmed romances with the essentials—who, when, and a vibe check.
| Ex-Partner | Relationship Years | Duration | Key Highlights | Split Reason (If Shared) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Lapinskas | 2011–2013 | 2 years | On-set spark with co-star | Busy schedules, young love |
| Ryan Harris | 2012–2018 | 6 years | Engaged; grounded, everyday romance | Mutual realization of different paths |
| Max Bowden | 2022 | 6 months | Co-star chemistry explosion | Timing issues (fatherhood) |
| David Bracken | 2023–2025 | 2 years | TikTok meet-cute; engaged | Amicable; differing life goals |
(Data sourced from recent reports as of November 2025—love evolves, after all!)
Conclusion: Shona’s Story of Strength and New Beginnings
Shona McGarty’s ex-boyfriend tales aren’t just tabloid fodder—they’re a testament to a woman who’s loved boldly, learned deeply, and keeps shining. From EastEnders heartthrobs to quiet proposals gone awry, each chapter has shaped the 34-year-old into the vibrant force we see devouring bushtucker trials and belting out tunes. As she navigates the jungle (and maybe eyes a cheeky connection with rapper Aitch?), one thing’s clear: Shona’s single era is her power era.
If her journey resonates, drop a comment below—what’s your take on her I’m A Celeb glow-up? Here’s to more music drops, stage roles, and whatever love looks like next. You’ve got this, Shona—we’re rooting for you!