Real reason Shona McGarty and Tony Discipline refuse to confirm romance as they both plot TV comeback
THEY played a couple in EastEnders more than 10 years ago and now Shona McGarty and Tony Discipline are living out the storyline in real life.
Or so their cosy social media posts would suggest. Because the actors are refusing to confirm or deny their relationship status – much to the annoyance of their loyal fans.
Shona, 34 – known for portraying feisty Whitney Dean – and 37-year-old Tony, who starred as Tyler Moon in EastEnders, appear to be very loved-up right now.
From red carpet appearances to being all over each other during a day out for former co-star Lorraine Stanley’s birthday recently, it seems they can’t get enough of each other.
But fans have been left scratching their heads, with one simply demanding: “What is going on with you two?”
The Sun understands that, for Shona at least, fully committing to going public with their romance is not on the cards right now and they are very much enjoying the flirty bubble they’re living in.
A well-placed source said: “Shona has been trolled mercilessly in the past over her relationships.
“There’s always been a spark there with Tony and finally they’re both single at the same time. 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.
“Shona has been burned in the past by rushing into things when it comes to relationships.
“This time around she’s determined to enjoy it rather than have it picked apart on social media.”
Shortly before starring in I’m a Celebrity last year, Shona split from fiance David Bracken.
She and her rapper campmate Aitch, 26, then faced romance rumours after appearing to grow close in the jungle.
Tony isn’t the first EastEnders actor Shona has dated, after relationships with Matt Lapinskas, who played Tony’s on-screen brother Anthony Moon, and Ben Mitchell star Max Bowden.
And Tony previously dated Lauren Branning actress and Shona’s friend Jacqueline Jossa.
We’re told that the obsession with her love life is the main reason Shona is reluctant to go official with Tony, at least on social media or in any other public way.
But The Sun understands that Shona and Tony are very aware of the attention on them right now and will have no issue using it to their advantage when it comes to landing telly jobs.
Tony hasn’t landed a major acting role since quitting as Tyler in 2013 and in 2020 revealed he’d started working as a fireman.
While Shona made a brief return to EastEnders earlier this month after quitting in 2024 following 14 years.
“Profile is everything,” our insider said. “Shona and Tony know they’ve got a lot of eyes on them.
“Fans love them both on and off screen. It’s fair to say neither of their careers since leaving EastEnders have taken off in the way they planned.
“If things go well between Shona and Tony, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise if they both made permanent returns to Walford.
“Whitney and Tyler could arrive in Albert Square together, who knows? Stranger things have certainly happened in Soapland and they’d be more than happy to give fans what they want.”
The Sun has reached out to reps for Shona and Tony for comment.
