Former stars of “The Only Way Is Essex” (TOWIE), Shelby Tribble and Sam Mucklow, have announced their engagement.

The couple, who are proud parents to their two sons, four-year-old Abel and eight-month-old Teskey, shared their exciting news on Instagram, choosing New Year’s Eve as the perfect moment for the announcement.

Shelby, aged 33, gave her followers a glimpse of her stunning oval diamond ring, a symbol of Sam’s heartfelt proposal during their holiday getaway.

Sam, also 33, went all out for the momentous occasion, setting up a large red heart emblazoned with the words “Will you marry me?” on their hotel balcony, which offered a breathtaking view.

Shelby captioned the post: ‘YES a million times over. You are the love of my life. I can’t wait to marry you’.

Their engagement was met with joy and well-wishes from fellow former TOWIE cast members. Courtney Green expressed her excitement with a heartfelt message: “Ahhhhh shibs!!!! So happy for you.”

Amber Turner added: ‘Omggggg! Congratulations ❤️❤️ so happy for u love u both xxxxx’ while Georgia Kousoulou said: ‘Oh my!! So so happy for you’ (sic). 

Former TOWIE stars Shelby Tribble and Sam Mucklow are engaged. The couple announced their happy news on Instagram on New Year’s Eve

The couple met while starring on the ITVBe reality show in 2018 and confirmed their relationship the following year

Shelby captioned the post: ‘YES a million times over. You are the love of my life. I can’t wait to marry you’

The couple met while starring on the ITVBe reality show in 2018 and confirmed their relationship the following year.

They then welcomed their first child, a son called Abel, into the world in 2020 but then went their separate ways in October 2023 after four years together.

At the time, it was reported the couple were determined to keep things ‘normal’ for their baby boy.

The news did not come as a shock to fans, since the last photograph Shelby posted of herself and Sam together was back in June, during a family holiday.

Shelby had also been hinting at problems on social media, writing on social media: ‘Go where you are celebrated not tolerated,’ alongside a solo shot on a night out.

She also shared a TikTok video featuring audio that said: ‘This is a song i wrote about men… It is called ew…’ with the caption: ‘Am I speaking for the majority of us at this point?’

Despite the turbulent period, the couple rekindled their romance just five months after their split and announced the news by jetting off on a loved-up holiday together.

Though they are now stronger than ever, Shelby and Sam have had a turbulent on/off relationship, which was well documented on TOWIE.

The couple are parents to sons Abel, four, and Teskey, eight months and quit TOWIE to focus on their romance 

Former TOWIE stars shared their congratulations with the couple. Courtney Greenwrote: ‘Ahhhhh shibs!!!! So happy for you’.

Shelby and Sam have had a turbulent on/off relationship, which was well documented on TOWIE (pictured on the show) 

The couple began a ‘friends with benefits’ relationship but things soon turned sour when Sam decided to pursue a romance with Demi Sims while on a group trip to Thailand in 2019.

During a heated row, Sam called Shelby a ‘s**g’ but months later, the couple decided to give things another go.

However, they were met with opposition when Shelby’s best friend Clelia Theodorou told her she had felt deserted because Shelby was spending all her time with Sam.

The former pals had several bitter rows, with Clelia accusing her of not being there for her when she was at her lowest point after splitting from her boyfriend, who was Sam’s best friend.

Shelby and Sam then decided to step back from TOWIE in order to focus on their romance.

In a statement shared on Instagram, the property manager said: ‘Me and @shelbytribble have never been happier and we are continuing our little fairytale away from the pressure and anxiety from the show. ‘I really feel I have made the right decision to focus on the things that are truly important to me!’