Actress Issy Knopfler has announced her engagement to her co-star boyfriend Sam Buchanan after he proposed during a romantic break. The couple shared their news on Instagram on Tuesday, publishing a selection of photos from the proposal.
Buchanan, 29, proposed to 28-year-old Knopfler on October 2, 2026. The couple captioned their joint social media post with the date of the proposal: '02. 10. 2026.'
In the set of images, Knopfler and Buchanan had huge smiles on their faces as she held up her big diamond engagement ring to her face.
They also showed how they celebrated their big day with a romantic meal for two out, enjoying a large tiramisu dessert which had the word 'engaged' written on it.
Television Careers and Roles
The couple star together in the fantasy television series The Wayfinders. Both actors have established careers in British television prior to joining the fantasy production.
Buchanan is known for playing stab victim Fitzy in EastEnders. His character appeared on the BBC soap opera in 2021 as part of a knife crime storyline. EastEnders, which launched on BBC One in 1985, is set in the fictional East London borough of Walford and remains one of Britain's most popular television dramas.
Knopfler has appeared in several popular television series, including roles in Silent Witness and Before We Die. Silent Witness is a long-running BBC forensic crime series that has aired since 1996, while Before We Die is a Channel 4 crime drama thriller.
Messages of Congratulations
Following their announcement, friends, colleagues, and social media followers filled the comments section of the post with congratulatory messages.
Broadcaster and journalist Mariella Frostrup wrote: 'Happy happy day! Congratulations Issy and Sam. Couldn’t be happier for you two lovebirds xxx.'
Winter Bassett Ekladios, who plays Brynlee in The Wayfinders, wrote: 'OH MY GODDDDD!!!!!!! congratulations you guys!!!' Fellow Wayfinders actress Rowan Robinson added: 'Omggggg congrats.'
Rock Heritage and Dire Straits
Knopfler is the daughter of rock musician Mark Knopfler. Her dad Mark was the lead guitarist, singer and songwriter of the rock band Dire Straits from 1977 to 1995.
Dire Straits became one of the world's most successful rock bands, selling millions of albums globally with hit songs including Sultans of Swing and Money for Nothing. Mark was one of the two members who stayed throughout the band's entire existence, along with bassist John Illsley.
After Dire Straits dissolved, Mark pursued a solo career and is now an independent artist.
