Love is in the air, darlings, and itโs extra magical when itโs a surprise! Our favorite Strictly Come Dancing champ, Joe McFadden, just sent hearts fluttering by announcing his engagement to his partner, artist Rob Smales. Yes, you heard it rightโJoeโs off the market and could not be more thrilled. On Tuesday, September 24, the Holby City star took to Instagram to share the happy news, telling his followers that heโs engaged to his โamazing soulmate.โ Cue the aww!

McFadden, who has always kept his private life tucked neatly out of the spotlight, shocked many of his fans with this unexpected reveal. After years of shying away from the tabloids and keeping things low-key when it came to his personal life, this announcement felt like a big step. And honestly? Weโre so happy for him. His sweet post, punctuated with the hashtag #LoveIsLove, is exactly the kind of uplifting news we needed.
From the Dancefloor to the Wedding Aisle
Joe, as many of you will remember, twirled his way into our hearts back in 2017 when he snagged the Strictly Come Dancing crown with his incredible partner, Katya Jones. The chemistry they shared on the dancefloor was undeniableโmuch like the spark between Joe and Rob today! (And letโs be real, this love story is giving us serious Strictly vibes, minus the ballroom shoes.)

Since his Strictly victory, Joeโs been gracing stages and screens alike. Last year, he lent his voice to The Rocky Horror Show, and most recently, heโs been showing off his acting chops in the West End as Sam in 2:22 A Ghost Story. Now, after dazzling audiences for years, Joe is stepping into a new roleโfiancรฉ.
Congratulations Pour In
As soon as Joe and Rob dropped the engagement news on social media, the love started flooding in from all corners of their lives. Joeโs fellow Strictly alum and good friend Reverend Richard Coles was quick to chime in on X (formerly Twitter) with a big, โWoohoo! Love you, Joe.โ And it didnโt stop there. TV host Laura Whitmore sent her love, filling her congratulations with a bunch of heart emojis, while Casualty star Kirsty Mitchell hilariously commented: โI bought the hat ages ago. Glorious news. Glorious couple.โ
Even Joeโs 2:22 A Ghost Story cast-mate Donna Air got in on the action, sharing: โCongratulations, so happy for you both.โ It seems everyone is here for Joe and Robโs next chapterโand weโre right there with them.
+Related: Ian Waite: Strictly โCurseโ Not Reason for Split from Hubby
Keeping Love Private (Until Now)
Joe has always kept things pretty hush-hush when it comes to his romantic life. Though he never publicly discussed his sexuality before this engagement, he has talked about his views on privacy. When asked about his love life in a Scotsman interview a few years back, he was firm but fair, saying, โItโs not really anyoneโs business… You give so much of your life to the job that I want some bits for myself.โ And you know what? Fair play to him.
But now, with Rob by his side, it looks like Joeโs finally ready to share more of himself with the world. And judging by his excitement in that Instagram post, it feels like the right time.
๐ Fun Fact ๐
Did you know that Joe McFadden was the first Scottish celebrity to win Strictly Come Dancing? Adding that glitterball trophy to his resume mustโve been magicalโnow heโs adding wedding plans to the mix!
A Life of Art and Romance
As for the man who stole Joeโs heart, Rob Smales, heโs an artist who, much like Joe, keeps a relatively low profile. The couple has been quietly building their life together outside of the public eye, and by all accounts, they couldnโt be more perfect for each other. While we donโt know much about their love story (yet!), itโs clear theyโve found something truly special.

For someone who once joked about being โunlovableโ after his Strictly win, Joe has clearly found a partner who proves otherwise. Love has a funny way of finding you when you least expect it, right?
Whatโs Next for Joe and Rob?
With their engagement out in the open, we can only speculate whatโs next for the couple. Will it be an intimate ceremony in the Scottish Highlands? Or maybe something a little more flamboyant, knowing Joeโs flair for the dramatic? Whatever they choose, one thingโs for sureโthis wedding is going to be as fabulous as they are!
So, hereโs to love, surprise engagements, and the endless possibilities of whatโs to come for Joe and Rob. As theyโve proven, sometimes the best love stories are the ones that take their time to unfold. Congrats to the happy couple! ๐๐















