Fiona Wade announces engagement to former Emmerdale co-star Simon Cotton

Fiona Wade has announced engagement to former Emmerdale co-star Simon Cotton.

The actress, who plays Priya Sharma in the ITV soap, took to Instagram to share the exciting news with her fans on New Year's Day.

The photo shows them both cuddled up and staring lovingly into each other's eyes. Although in a cosy candle-lit living room setting, the pair are both dressed to the nines, with Fiona in a floor length black ball gown and Simon also dressed sharply in black tie attire.

In the caption, Fiona wrote: 'Two days ago this beautiful man asked me to be his wife. There has never been an easier answer to a question.... Yes!'

'Feel so incredibly blessed. Wishing you all a wonderful 2019 & so much love for the year ahead.'

The couple confirmed their romance six months ago, after Fiona posted a photo of them in a field looking blissfully happy.

Fiona received hundreds of comments underneath her engagement announcement from fans who are thrilled for the couple. One excited user wrote: 'Ahhhh this is amazing! Congratulations beautiful what a happy way to start 2019.'

Another showed their enthusiasm by commenting: 'SOOO much love for you both! Huge congratulations you amazing couple! You are perfect for each other & I’m SOOO happy for you both!'

Fiona's Emmerdale co-stars also commented underneath the photo to congratulate the couple on their happy news.

Michelle Hardwick, who plays Vanessa Woodfield in the soap, sweetly wrote: 'So much love for you two.'

The 42 year old actress also recently shared the news of her own engagement, having proposed to girlfriend Kate Books a month ago.

Kate, who is an Emmerdale producer, also commented on Fiona's post, stating: 'This is just perfect.'

Mark Charnock, who plays Marlon Dingle on the show, also shared his excitement for the couple, writing: 'Wonderful news!!! Congratulations lovely Fiona. What a way to go into 2019. Xx'

Congratulations to the happy couple!