Heartbeat icon announces engagement news after marriage split

Heartbeat's beloved star Tricia Penrose took to social media to flaunt her glittering diamond ring and announce her engagement. The 55-year-old revealed she was surprised by the proposal on what would be the seven-year anniversary with her now-fiancé.

She took to X, formerly Twitter, with the exciting post which included a heart-warming photo alongside her partner Chris with both of them beaming with pride at a restaurant. The Gina Ward star stunned in a blue shirt and thick-rimmed glasses, with her blonde hair in loose waves over her shoulders. Tricia placed her left hand, featuring her new jewellery, on her partner Chris's chest as he grinned. They embraced one another for the selfie with the diamond ring on full display.

Taking to the caption, she penned: "My lovely Chris has proposed on our 7 year anniversary! Off to Tenerife now with my lovely fiancé to celebrate what a lovely surprise."

A second photo over on Instagram featured a zoomed-in look at the sparkler so her followers could get a closer look.

Tricia was inundated with support from her fans as they filled her comments with praise, as one wrote: "What fabulous news!!! I'm beyond thrilled for you both!! Have fun in the sun."

"Congratulations to both of you, I wish you both many healthy happy years together," said another.

A third added: "Beautiful Tricia congratulations and your looking fabulous," as another fan echoed: "Congratulations Tricia and enjoy your holiday."

Tricia's engagement came after she and her TV presenter ex-husband Mark Simpkin announced their break-up in 2021.

Throughout their 18-year marriage, the estranged couple welcomed two sons, Jake,21, and Freddy, 16.

An insider at the time said: "They decided to go their separate ways after realising they had grown apart and it would be better for everyone."

The actress then found love again with her now-fiancé Chris, just two weeks after her divorce from Mark.

The pair went Instagram official back in 2021 and she shared a selfie pouting during a date night and captioned the shot: "Lovely night with my gorgeous fella".