Hollyoaks’ Stephanie Waring shows off her gorgeous wedding ring as she and Tom Thornton-Brookes are seen for the first time since secretly marrying in lavish Maldives ceremony

Hollyoaks’ Stephanie Waring and her new husband Tom Thornton-Brookes were spotted in Manchester on Saturday for the first time since their secret Maldives wedding.

The 46-year-old soap star, who played Cindy Cunningham for 28 years, beamed as she and the hunk put on their silver rings during a romantic dinner.

Stephanie looked effortlessly chic in a black top which she paired with a high-waisted, floral wrap skirt that showed off her colourful pins.

She slipped her feet into strappy sandals and carried her evening essentials in a simple bag as she walked hand in hand through the city.

Tom, who has been in a relationship with the actress since 2021, opted for an all-black ensemble and white sneakers.

The soap star, who played Cindy Cunningham for 28 years, beamed as she and the hunk put on their silver rings during a romantic dinner

Stephanie said their impromptu wedding “just felt right” and the couple jumped at the chance to get married abroad last week.

After nearly four years together, Stephanie and Tom tied the knot at the five-star Ifuru Island resort in a last-minute decision.

In photos published by OK! MagazineThe actress looked stunning in an A-line dress with a fitted bustier and embroidered details.

Steph’s daughters, Mia, 18, and Lexi, 13, weren’t present at their wedding, but she made sure to FaceTime them to show off her dress.

She told the publication: ‘When we booked this holiday to the Maldives, Tom said, “Do you want to get married?” and I just said, “Yes.”‘

Tom explained: ‘I looked online at where we were staying and I saw that they were doing weddings. I’m quite an impulsive person in a way, so it just felt right. We just took the chance.’

Stephanie continued, “I FaceTimed Lexi before I went and when she saw my wedding dress she burst into tears. She’s so funny and caring and is so happy for us. She loves Tom so much.”

Stephanie revealed the identity of her boyfriend Tom when the couple went official on Instagram in March 2021, after dating for “a few months.”

Stephanie looked effortlessly chic in a black top which she paired with a high-waisted floral wrap skirt, giving a glimpse of her tinted pins

She slipped her feet into strappy sandals and carried her evening essentials in a simple clutch

Meanwhile, Tom, who has been in a relationship with the actress since 2021, opted for an all-black ensemble and white sneakers

The radiant couple walked together hand in hand

Tom also wore a thick band which he paired with a striking gold watch

She shared a number of loving snaps of them together and showed her true feelings for her new man by writing: ‘My heart.’

The mother of two shares Lexi Grace with her ex Dan Hooper and Mia with a former partner.

Stephanie briefly dated businessman Riad Erraji, Natasha Hamilton’s ex-husband, in 2015 before having a short-lived romance with Rick Shore.

The soap actress previously dated former Eastender Michael Greco for six months between 2016 and 2017.

The good news comes after Stephanie revealed to her followers in May that she was secretly training to become a life coach as she prepared to say goodbye to Hollyoaks after 28 years.

She was ‘devastated’ and burst into tears when she found out her character had been axed from the soap.

However, it seems that Stephanie is embarking on a new career, as she let her followers know on Instagram that she will be working in the wellness industry.

When Stephanie told her fans she was going to study at the Jay Shetty Life Coaching School, she said, “I love my job, I love my career, the profession that I have been in since I was 18 years old.”

“I’m not quitting, I’m just telling you that. I’m still going to act, but I have other passions that I want to pursue.”

She said, “I’ve been studying for about a month now for a new career, a new field in the wellness industry.”

“I got accepted into the Jay Shetty Certification Life Coaching school and honestly it changed my life.”

Stephanie couldn’t wipe the big smile off her face

Stephanie revealed that their impromptu wedding ‘just felt right’ and that the couple ‘jumped’ at the chance to get married abroad last week

In photos, the actress looked stunning in an A-line dress with a fitted bustier and embroidered details

She said: ‘When we booked this holiday to the Maldives, Tom asked: “Do you want to get married?” and I just said: “Yes.”‘

Tom explained: ‘I looked online at where we were staying and I saw that they were doing weddings. I’m quite an impulsive person in a way, so it just felt right. We just took the chance.’

Stephanie continued, “I FaceTimed Lexi before I went and when she saw my wedding dress she burst into tears. She’s so funny and caring and is so happy for us. She loves Tom so much.”

The actress, who played Cindy Cunningham, was ‘distraught’ when she found out her character had been axed from the soap (pictured on the show)

‘It’s life changing and it’s something I’ve wanted to do for a few years now, but because I’ve been so busy working on Hollyoaks I never thought I’d even be able to do it.’

“This is what I do, it’s incredible and I hope I can help Jay change a billion lives.”

She concluded, “If I can be just a small part of it, I want to go on that journey. I hope you all follow me on that journey.”

She captioned the post, “When one door closes… GOOD news to share! @jayshettycertificationschool #newbeginnings #lifecoaching #wellness #jayshettycertification #jayshettycertificationschool #jayshetty.”