Coronation Street's Shayne Ward announces engagement to former Hollyoaks star Sophie Austin
The ring is gorgeous
Last updated 27th Dec 2017
Shayne Ward, known for playing Aidan Connor in TV soap Coronation Street has announced he proposed to his girlfriend, former Hollyoaks star Sophie Austin, over the Christmas period, and she said yes! The actor took to Instagram to reveal the exciting news with a photo of Sophie's hand showing off a very sparkly diamond ring with the caption, '#MrsWardtobe'.
It wasn't long before many of Shayne's co-stars from Coronation Street congratulated him on his engagement, with Nicola Thorp (who plays Nicola Rubenstein) saying, 'Woooooohoooooooooo. Congratulations you two! Xxxx'. sic
Jane Danson (Leanne Battersby) said, 'Congratulations darling 😍great newsxx', sic whilst Sally Ann Matthews (Jenny Bradley) said, 'Huge congratulations you beauties! x'.
Sophie also posted the same photo on her socials, with Jane Danson once again congratulating her saying, 'Massive congratulations darling 😍'.
Shayne and Sophie have had a whirlwind romance, having started dating last year, just a few months later they announced they were expecting a baby. It is now just a year after they welcomed their first child Willow May Ward, that they have announced their engagement.
The happy couple have yet to reveal more details about their engagement and wedding plans.
Shayne rose to fame when he won The X Factor back in 2005 and subsequently had a number of hits including 'That's My Goal' and 'No U Hang Up', but he later turned to acting, taking the role of Aidan in Coronation Street in 2015.
Earlier this month rumours surfaced that Shayne's character was due to have an explosive exit from the soap next year, with sources telling a national newspaper, "Nobody will see this coming.... everybody wants Shayne leaving to be a huge part of the show next year."
Coronation Street continues with double episodes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on ITV.
Now take a look at the Top 10 most memorable talent show winners in our gallery below:
10. Darren Gough
Cricketer Darren Gough won the third series of Strictly Come Dancing back in 2005 with his dance partner Lilia Kopylova. The pair's last performances were the Foxtrot and Paso Doble, which they received 36 points for each.
9. Matt Cardle
Matt won the seventh series of The X Factor and his debut single 'When We Collide' reached number 1 in the UK becoming the second best-selling single of 2010.
Here he is pictured with his mentor Dannii Minogue.
8. Shayne Ward
Shayne Ward won The X Factor in 2005 and his debut single 'That's My Goal' became the Christmas number 1 shortly after release. He now plays the part of Aidan Connor in Coronation Street.
7. Joe McElderry
Winning the sixth season of The X Factor, Joe was also crowned the winner of the second series of Popstar to Operastar in 2011, and the first series of The Jump in 2014. Joe's winning song was Miley Cyrus' 'The Climb'.
6. Sam Bailey
Sam rose to fame during the 10th series of The X Factor, eventually winning the series and releasing a cover of Demi Lovato's 'Skyscraper' as her debut single which became the Christmas number 1. In March this year she started her 'Sing My Heart Out' tour in the UK.
5. James Arthur
James Arthur won the ninth series of The X Factor in 2012 performing 'Let's Get It On' and 'Impossible'. After winning he then went on to release 'Impossible' as his debut single which went to number 1.
4. Little Mix
Since auditioning separately for the eighth series of The X Factor, Little Mix have made waves all over the world. They became the first and only group to date to win the talent show, performing 'Don't Let Go (Love)', 'Silent Night' and 'Cannonball' during the final live show.
3. Alesha Dixon
She rose to fame as part of Mis-Teeq and later as a solo artist, but it's her performance on Strictly Come Dancing that has placed her at number 3 in the most memorable moments of TV talent shows. Despite early nerves Alesha went on to win the 2007 series of Strictly Come Dancing and to date she is the most successful contestant to take place.
2. Alexandra Burke
She's currently starring in Strictly Come Dancing, but Alexandra is best known for winning the fifth series of The X Factor in 2008. She has enjoyed success with songs such as 'Bad Boys' and 'Broken Heels', becoming one of the most successful winners of the series. As well as her hit singles she has appeared in the West End taking over the role of Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard and also the lead role of Deloris Van Cartier in the Sister Act The Musical.
1. Leona Lewis
Back in 2006 Leona Lewis won the third series of The X Factor. During the live final Leona performed 'I Will Always Love You', 'A Million Love Songs' with Take That, 'All by Myself' and 'A Moment Like This'. She has gone on to release five studio albums and nine top 10 hits.