Strictly Come Dancing star proudly comes out as he shares first loved-up snap

A former Strictly Come Dancing star has proudly revealed he's engaged to a man.

Joe McFadden, who appeared on the show and went on to win with Katya Jones has remained very private about his personal life, including his love life in the past. But the Holby City star, 48, had been linked to Casualty actress Kirsty Mitchell in the past but had always dismissed speculation about his romances.

Speaking previously he explained it was "rude" to ask about his love life but he understood why people were interested, given his public-facing job. He said: "There's nothing to speak of, I just think it's not really anyone's business. I don't mean that to sound aggressive or confrontational but it'd be like going up to that guy [he points to a waiter] and asking who he's sleeping with. It's rude. I do understand that people want to know because they know who you are and they want to know the details of your life. But you give so much of your life to the job that I want some bits for myself."

Now the actor has opened up like never before and revealed he's engaged to his soulmate. Taking to his Instagram, Joe revealed that he was engaged to artist Rob Smales and the pair "couldn't be happier". Sharing their first loved-up snap, he penned: "Couldn't be happier to be engaged to be married to my amazing soulmate, Rob." He added: "#loveislove." His upload which has been liked over 4,000 times was soon flooded with messages of celebrations.

Kirsty Mitchell gushed: "So, so happy for you both. Sending love & hugs & more love. Happy ever after you beautiful couple." Niamh McGrady added: "WHAAAAT!!!!! FANTASTIC NEWS!! Biggest love and congratulations." Former Coronation Street star Nikki Sanderson exclaimed: "Aww congratulations!!" alongside a series of heart emojis.

Drag Race UK's Davina DeCampo added: "Congrats you gorgeous creatures!" Joe's former Holby co-star David Ames gushed: "Awww congrats Joe!" Currently, it is not known when Joe and Rob, an artist, started dating but it appears that the pair are completely loved up

The former Raffaello 'Raf' di Lucca actor previously revealed in 2017 that he had no idea why he was single. Speaking to the Daily Record, he said: "I don't know why I'm single. I must be unlovable, I don't know. Who knows? Maybe I work too hard." But Joe did confirm that he had a love interest in his life, his beloved dog Doug.

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