BBC Strictly star Shayne Ward's love life with actress fiancée as they make soap return

Shayne Ward is set to make his soap return this week, and he'll be accompanied by his famous fiancee.

The singer, who is currently appearing on Strictly Come Dancing, first rose to fame in the 2000s after winning The X Factor. He has since kept himself busy, portraying Aidan Connor for three years on Coronation Street before departing in 2018.

Outside of the limelight, Shayne is in a romantic relationship with soap actress Sophie Austin, known for her role as Lindsey Butterfield in Hollyoaks. The couple, who have been together since 2016, are parents to two children.

Their daughter Willow May was born in December 2016, and in 2022, Shayne and Sophie, who became engaged in 2017, welcomed their second child, a baby boy named Reign Thomas.

In 2018, Sophie shared details of Shayne's unique proposal with OK Magazine. She said: 'I had told Shayne that if he was ever going to propose I would love my family to be there, reports the Mirror.

"We were stood in the hallway - I was wearing pyjamas and my hair was tied up with a pair of knickers," she added.

Sophie went on to say: "Once the music [Barbra Streisand's I've Dreamed of You] started playing, Shayne came over and asked if he could have a dance with me. I suddenly thought oh no, he is going to ask me in front of everybody."

"I know it sounds strange 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."

Coronation Street star Shayne Ward and his fiancee Sophie Austin are not shy about sharing their personal lives on social media. In September, Shayne posted a heartfelt message on Instagram to celebrate their nine-year anniversary.

Shayne wrote: "Another year has gone by.... And I love you more each and every second. I feel very blessed to have you by my side. Let's keep holding hands. Let's keep walking in each other's footsteps."

"Let's keep finding new adventures. Let's keep singing. Let's taste the world's greatest foods (That'll be fajitas for me) Let's dance like no one is watching, But certain eyes always are. Our heaven-sent angels Willow May and reign."

This week, the couple will appear together in an episode of the BBC soap Doctors, playing a couple whose daughter is in hospital. Shayne's character, Kenny Webb, will struggle to control his temper, causing tension with his partner, Austin, played by Sophie. The episode, titled "Shock Therapy", will air on Thursday, October 3.