Ex EastEnders star Nicola Stapleton sparks rumours she’s secretly engaged as she flashes ring on her left hand

EX EASTENDERS star Nicola Stapleton has sparked speculation she's engaged after emerging from Celebs Go Skating filming with bling on her ring finger.

The Mandy Salter actress, known for her engagement to Ian Beale before her departure from the BBC soap in 2012, now seems to be taking on the real-life fiancee role after flashing the sparkler on her left hand.

Nicola, 46, was seen leaving the London filming venue wrapped in a chunky beige padded coat and white jeans.

She finished her snug look with colourful trainers and a face mask yet those passing by couldn't miss her ring as she held her phone to her ear.

With her hair scraped back in a ponytail, London-born Nicola appeared in deep conversation as the gold band with a diamond stone shone in the light.

The former Bad Girls actress strolled around in circles as she chatted away, following a full day on set.

It is unclear who the mystery partner is, should she be engaged, and they do not appear to be mentioned in the trained gymnast's Instagram page.

Earlier this week, she posted a cheery snap to her Instagram page with the caption: "Great first day on the set of celebs go skating."

In the hashtags, she clarified she had had a Covid test, as the group were not sitting in a socially-distanced manner.

Meanwhile, The Sun was first to reveal how Celebs Go Skating would be fronted by Dancing On Ice champ Alex Murphy.

The US pro, who won the 2020 series with partner Joe Swash, is hosting Celebs Go Skating in which she’ll interview celebrities about their careers and relationships on the ice - which might explain Nicola's ring.

She previously said: "Those celebrities feel so vulnerable on the ice they don’t know what they’re saying, so they told me some really good stuff."

Other stars appearing on the series - produced by Inside Trak and written and directed by Sheridan de Myers - include Blue singer Antony Costa, Gogglebox favourite Amy Tapper and Love Island’s Amy Hart.

She will also be grilling her boyfriend, online prankster Paul Klein from duo Woody and Kleiny, who recently fronted I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!’s new TikTok content.

Alex was told her Dancing On Ice contract would not be renewed two months after winning the 2020 series last April.

The decision left her “heartbroken” and was heavily criticised by ex-EastEnders star Joe plus 2019 champ James Jordan.

But she’s now reaping the benefits the exposure of her exit gave her, securing a starring role on ITV’s The Full Monty On Ice alongside Ashley Banjo and now Celebs Go Skating.

The Sun Online has gone to Nicola's reps for comment.