Former Love Island star Shannen Reilly McGrath says boob job gave her big lift after year from hell that saw boyfriend die in jail
The 25-year-old model is now hoping to make a return to screens later this year with an upcoming TV project
MODEL Shannen Reilly McGrath is ready to dive into work again after a year from hell.
The former Love Island star, 25, was left devastated after losing her boyfriend - Love/Hate star Dano Doyle - in a suspected drug death in jail last summer.
The 31-year-old died in hospital last June after he was found unresponsive in his prison cell.
Heartbroken Shannen told how she’s still grieving for her beloved partner, but is hoping that focusing on work will help her come to terms with the loss.
The Dubliner recently had breast surgery to enhance her chest from a modest B-cup to a D and she says that the operation has given her a lift in more ways than one.
Shannen, who had the op at N1 Plastic Surgery on London’s Harley Street, said: “My chest was a big insecurity of mine. I wanted it done since I was 18 but I was still growing.
“I think I got them done at the right time. It was a really hard year. Dano was the love of my life.
“I was at home a lot over the past few months, grieving and dealing with things.
“Having the operation was a bit like going out and buying something new. It helps you feel better in some small way.”
Shannen revealed how Christmas was her lowest point, though she admits all special occasions are difficult without Dano.
She said: “On Christmas Eve I broke. That was the worst day of all. Dano loved Christmas so much so it hit me hard.
“Now Valentine’s Day is here and that’s hard too. You have all your memories and you’re thinking about that person.
“Every day is hard but big occasions are especially hard. I go to his grave on big occasions, like birthdays and Christmas.
"It’s my way of dealing with it. I think time is a healer. I’ve never lost anyone close to me before and I didn’t realise how difficult it would be.”
Shannen shot to fame when she appeared on Love Island in 2017. The former dental nurse revealed how the show’s producers targeted her for a role on the reality series after seeing her glam snaps on Instagram.
Since then Shannen’s online presence has gone from strength to strength and she revealed how she’s bombarded with offers of modelling work.
She said: “I was asked to do Playboy before but I was too insecure about my chest. Now I would jump at the chance if the offer was right.
“I was so flat-chested on Love Island. I wish I’d had them done then but I’m glad I waited to work with N1 Plastic Surgery.
“The surgeon I worked with had so much experience, which is so important when you’re putting yourself under the knife.
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Gorgeous Shannen’s now hoping to make a return to screens later this year with an upcoming TV project, though she’s keeping the details under wraps for now.
And she told how she’s hoping throwing herself into her work will help her overcome the tragic loss of Dano.
She said: “I’m not interested in meeting anyone else at the moment. I’d rather keep to myself and work on my career. I believe whatever is meant to be will happen.”