25-04-2025
'Two strong hearts': Lalla Hirayama and long-term partner Ross Mcilroy celebrate engagement
South African media personality Lalla Hirayama announced her engagement to long-term partner Ross Mcilroy.
The couple first met in 2020 while co-hosting the Consumer Awards, with Mcilroy becoming a strong support system to Hirayama during her mental health struggles.
Hirayama recently opened up about her journey away from the entertainment industry, her struggle with PCOS, and her success in becoming cyst-free.
South African media personality Lalla Hirayama is officially off the market. The former V-Entertainment presenter and judge on South Africa's Got Talent just let the cat out of the bag that she and her long-term partner Ross Mcilroy are engaged.
Taking to her Instagram page, the 37-year-old shared a photo of herself embracing Mcilroy while sporting an eye-catching diamond ring on her engagement finger.
The post, captioned "Two strong hearts," received thousands of likes from her doting fans and friends.
Also, taking to her Stories, Hirayama shared a closer look at the ring while explaining the significance behind the choice:
"My ring was designed to mimic waves that encapsulate a beautiful stone. What a design. A one-of-a-kind. Just like my man - whose heart belongs to me and to the sea," she shared.
Expectedly, the model was inundated with congratulatory messages, with TV personality Refilwe Modiselle sharing, "My personal favourite Ninja, I'm screaming with excitement for you. Congratulations sis; Ross definitely fulfilled his promise to take care of you the right way. This is beautiful & God covers you both."
Mental health struggles and a match made in heaven
The couple first met in 2020 while co-hosting the Consumer Awards. Mcilroy, the co-founder of the vehicle trading business, soon became more than just a professional connection and eventually became a big support system to Hirayama, who frequently opened up about her mental health problems at that time.
The couple now lives a quiet lifestyle in Stellenbosch's picturesque Winelands, where she is a loving mom to two horses, Fargo and Palouse.
Opening up about her decision to leave Johannesburg and her fabulous life in the spotlight, Hirayama told YOU that she grew tired of the constant criticism and pressure.
"Being in the industry is a beautiful thing and afforded me so many great opportunities. But with all of that comes lots of pressure and criticism, and I just grew tired of it all. I knew I needed change," Hirayama shared. She also spoke candidly about her struggle with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the fact that after years of treatment and positive lifestyle changes, she is finally cyst-free.
