Shona McGarty said she has always felt like her former EastEnders co-star boyfriend Tony Discipline ‘was The One’ as she opened up about their relationship for the first time on Saturday. The pair played couple Whitney Dean and Tyler Moon on EastEnders, with Tony leaving the soap in 2013 after two years, while Shona bowed out in 2024. And years later the couple have sparked up a romance which they recently confirmed by showing off their matching tattoos on Instagram last month. Now ‘smitten’ Shona, 34, gushed she has ‘never felt so cared for’ by Tony, who quit acting to become a firefighter, after her engagement broke down with ex fiancé, David Bracken. She told The Sun: ‘I am so happy. And to be honest, I’ve had a soft spot for him for years. I always felt like he was The One. We’ve been friends since meeting on EastEnders – we’ve known each other for 15 years, but for a long time it felt to me like it could be more.’It’s not been that long. We got talking a while ago and it just happened. I am really smitten. I adore him. We’re really excited for the future.’ Shona McGarty said she has always felt like her ex EastEnders co-star boyfriend Tony Discipline ‘was The One’ as she opened up about their relationship for the first time Smitten Shona, 34, gushed she has ‘never felt so cared for’ by Tony, who quit acting and is now a firefighter, after her engagement broke down with ex fiancé, David BrackenDespite it still being a relatively new relationship, Shona insisted having the foundation of such a long friendship means they are already getting serious. ‘It’s moving quickly, in a good way. We’re both in our 30s. He’s 37, I’m 34. He’s gorgeous, and he’s such an old-school gentleman, too. We go on lovely dates, he treats me like a lady. ‘I feel like I’ve got my feminine energy back. I’ve never felt so looked after and cared for before,’ she added. It comes after Shona split from fiancé David last November, just over a year after he popped the question in London’s Holland Park.The actress and the Irish guitarist first met in 2023 after David messaged her on TikTok, asking if she’d like to duet on a song after watching one of her videos.However the pair mutually called off their engagement before she starred on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! last November. Shona and Tony finally made their romance Instagram official last month as they shared loved-up snaps from their holiday together.The couple have kept fans guessing for weeks about the status of their relationship, after they were pictured during a cosy red carpet appearance back in May. The pair played couple Whitney Dean and Tyler Moon on EastEnders, with Tony leaving the soap in 2013 after two years, while Shona bowed out in 2024Tony shared the cosy snaps with Shona on Instagram, including one of them holding hands during dinner together.He captioned the post: ‘Little trip away with Mi Amor.’After visiting the tattoo parlour, the pair proudly showed off their inkings, which appeared to be a toaster with bread in, next to a pineapple and palm tree.Shona also left a sweet comment under Tony’s post where she declared her love for him, writing: ‘Tú Y Yo,’ which translates to You and Me in Spanish.In May, they sparked a sea of comments speculating whether they were ‘soft-launching’ their romance as they posed for cosy red carpet snaps at the Women’s Football Awards.But it is said that the former co-stars are keen to keep their relationship label-free as they continue to get to know each other.A source told The Sun: ‘They’re two people having fun getting to know each other in a whole new way. This could be a summer romance or it could be the real deal.’Either way, until they’re sure, they won’t be putting a label on things.’The source added Shona is determined to take things slow after being burned in the past by rushing into things.They added she wants to enjoy her time with Tony rather than have it picked apart on social media.The Daily Mail has contacted Shona’s representatives for comment. It comes after Shona split from fiancé David last November, just over a year after he popped the question in London’s Holland ParkThe pair continued to spark romance rumours as Tony wrapped his arms around Shona from behind before planting a kiss on her head in Instagram photos last month.During the boozy day out, the I’m A Celebrity star looked happier than ever as she beamed for photos with Tony.She showed off her incredible figure in a red and black bikini top which she flashed under a cut out matching bodysuit.The pair first sparked romance rumours after they cosied up for photos on the red carpet at the Women’s Football Awards.Taking to social media to share the photo, Shona wrote: ‘What a great evening at the @womensfootballawards last week!’Such an incredible opportunity to celebrate the heroes driving women’s football forward on and off the pitch!’The post sparked a sea of comments speculating whether Shona and Tony were ‘soft-launching’ their romance.Fans commented: ‘Looking pretty good together; Is this a soft launch???; PLEASE TELL ME YOU’RE A COUPLE OH MY GOD; New man?’