EastEnders actor Sam Buchanan and actress Issy Knopfler announced their engagement after meeting on the set of the fantasy series The Wayfinders. Issy Knopfler is the daughter of Dire Straits musician Mark Knopfler.
Instagram Announcement Reveals Ring and Celebration
Issy Knopfler shared the engagement news on Instagram with a caption reading 02.10.2026
, accompanied by a selfie showing her and Sam Buchanan flashing a large diamond ring, according to Daily Mail. Daily Mail noted that Sam Buchanan is 29 and Issy Knopfler is 28. The couple also posted a photograph of a celebratory meal featuring a large tiramisu cake decorated with the word engaged
.
The post drew immediate responses from co-stars and public figures. The official Instagram account for The Wayfinders wrote that they opened the app to the best news ever
. Wayfinders co-star Winter Bassett Ekladios posted, OH MY GODDDDD!!!!!!! congratulations you guys!!!
while fellow cast member Rowan Robinson added, Omggggg congrats.
Journalist and presenter Mariella Frostrup also commented, Happy happy day! Congratulations Issy and Sam. Couldn’t be happier for you two lovebirds xxx.
Buchanan and Knopfler hold diverse acting credits
Sam Buchanan appeared on the BBC soap opera EastEnders in 2021 as Fitzy, a character introduced in a knife-crime storyline. Fitzy, a colleague of police officer Callum Highway, was attacked by a mugger trying to harm Kat Slater and spent time in the hospital recovering from stab wounds before leaving the show. Issy Knopfler works as an actor and producer, with screen credits that include Before We Die, Silent Witness, and The Wayfinders.
Issy Knopfler’s father, Mark Knopfler, served as the lead guitarist, singer, and songwriter for rock band Dire Straits from 1977 until 1995 alongside bassist John Illsley. Following the band’s dissolution, Mark Knopfler pursued a solo career as an independent music artist.
Sam Buchanan and Issy Knopfler get engaged
When did Sam Buchanan and Issy Knopfler get engaged?
The couple got engaged on October 2, 2026, as confirmed by their joint social media announcement.
How did Sam Buchanan and Issy Knopfler meet?
The pair met while filming the fantasy television series The Wayfinders, in which they both star.
What role did Sam Buchanan play in EastEnders?
Sam Buchanan played Fitzy in 2021, a character who survived a knife attack during a mugging storyline on the BBC soap opera.
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