Strictly's Shayne Ward's fiancée is a famous soap star - inside their life with two kids and wedding plans

The X Factor legend and Strictly Come Dancing contestant is a devoted fiancé and father of two, having met fellow soap star Sophie Austin all the way back in 2016

Shayne Ward has clocked up nearly 20 years in the showbiz industry since winning The X Factor in 2005.

Following his success on the ITV show, Shayne released a string of hits before turning his attention to acting and landing the role of Aidan Connor on Coronation Street and Jack Grayling on The Good Ship Murder.

Now, Shayne is lighting up the Strictly Come Dancing dance floor with professional partner Nancy Xu.

Away from work, the star is a devoted fiancé and father. Here is all you need to know about Shayne's family life

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Famous soap star fiancée

Shayne has been dating Hollyoaks star Sophie Austin since 2016.

The couple got engaged at Christmas in 2017 and Shayne pulled out all of the stops to make sure his proposal was romantic and family oriented.

Sophie previously told OK! Magazine: "I had told Shayne that if he was ever going to propose I would love my family to be there. We were stood in the hallway - I was wearing pyjamas and my hair was tied up with a pair of knickers.

"Once the music [Barbra Streisand’s I’ve Dreamed of You] Shayne came over and asked if he could have a dance with me. I suddenly though oh crap, he is going to ask me in front of everybody. I know it sounds weird as I’m an actor but I don’t like being the centre of attention. But it was the perfect ending to our lovely Christmas."

Does Shayne Ward have children?

Shayne and Sophie share two children.

In 2016, the same year they started dating, they welcomed a little girl called Willow. Son Reign was born in 2022.

Shayne loves nothing more than being a dad but has admitted it can be hard spending time away from his kids while working.

While filming Channel 5 drama The Good Ship Murder, the Strictly star praised Sophie as he explained he would be away from home for months to shoot the show.

He said on social media: "I cannot thank you enough for holding the fort. Solo parenting for what will be 3 months is no small feat and I am seriously so grateful.

"I can see just how happy our children are and I felt the love the moment I knocked on the door. Sophie, I adore you and I honestly couldn’t do any of this if you wasn’t by my side being my biggest champion and closest confidant."

Wedding plans

Shayne and Sophie had to pause their wedding plans due to the Covid-19 pandemic and are still yet to walk down the aisle. However, the loved up couple have said they are in no rush.

Shayne said during a previous appearance on Lorraine: "Everything can wait and there’s no rush... We are together for life, that’s the same regardless."

Irish family

Given his name is Shayne Ward, it is no surprise to learn that he has Irish blood in him. Both of his parents are Irish and lived in Ireland before moving the family to Manchester.

Shayne told The Sun in 2021: "It’s mental when people say ‘you’re Irish you don’t sound Irish.’ Because you need the accent right? I hold an Irish passport for God’s sake.

"For me, rightly so I was claimed, I’m Shayne Ward, Ward. My mum’s Philomena Joyce, you can’t get any more Irish- Roscommon, Dundalk, Tipperary, Tuam, Cork."

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