One of EastEnders most promising young couples sent fans into a nostalgia-induced tizzy this weekend, as Shona McGarty, beloved by ‘Enders viewers nation wide as Whitney Dean, reunited with Tyler Moon actor and former on-screen beau, Tony Discipline.

Shona shared the festive snap to her Instagram story, with the two decked out in St. Patrick’s Day regalia as they celebrated the occasion in a night club, some 13 years after they last appeared together in the BBC soap.

Tony departed Albert Square in 2013, with Shona bowing out eleven years later in 2024.

Their on-screen love story began with a delicious soapy love triangle, also involving Arthur ‘Fatboy’ Chubb (Ricky Norwood), who initially won Whitney’s heart.

Though friends with Fatboy, Tyler was undeterred and pursued Whitney, who later realised her chemistry with the recently-debuted Moon far outweighed that which she shared with Fatboy and left him for Tyler.

The first (of many) hurdles the fledgling duo faced was a pregnancy scare. Although initially hesitant, Tyler eventually came around to the idea of being a dad, only to discover that the pregnancy was a false alarm.

After the on-screen departure of most of Whitney’s family, the two moved in together, though found themselves apart after Whitney kissed Joey Branning (David Witts). While Tyler proposed, hoping to mend the rift in their relationship, the death of Whitney’s childhood abuser, Tony King (Chris Coghill) dredged up a mountain of trauma for Whitney.

As Tyler struggled to empathise the level of difficulty his fiancée was facing in the wake of her tormentors demise, she found herself in the arms of Joey once again.

Once she confessed her transgression to Tyler, the two decided to face facts: their relationship was over, and he headed off to work on a Cruise Ship shortly thereafter.

Shona and Tony’s lives after EastEnders

Shona played Whitney for an impressive 15 years, becoming a firm fan favourite and one of the shows most celebrated and recognisable characters, with Whitney growing from a troubled, abused teenager into a strong, powerful woman before audiences eyes.

After departing Walford, Shona has launched a music career and expanded into theatre performances.

She also snagged the second runner up position on last years I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! behind Tom Read-Wilson and Angryginge.

Tyler debuted as a new trio of Moons, alongside brother, Anthony (Matt Lapinskas) and dad, Eddie (David Essex), as the brother of pre-established (and downright evil) Michael Moon (Steve John Shepherd) in 2011.

The character arrived in Walford in 2011 as part of the infamous Moon family.

Upon leaving the soap, Tony forged an enviable career, appearing in the film various film and television shows, including The Drugs Game, a gangster flick that reunited him with his former on-screen brother, Matt.

Tony later spread his wings further, training to become a firefighter, while also opening up a mobile cocktail bar and welcoming a daughter.

‘I love it,’ he told The Sun of his new career.

‘Every day is different and you feel you’re helping your community. It can be quite dangerous but you’re trained to deal with those situations.’

Will we ever see him back on Albert Square? According to Tony, he’d be up for it!

‘I loved my time there. It was a great chapter in my life and if the opportunity ever came up, I would definitely be interested.’