'EastEnders' co-stars Shona McGarty and Max Bowden have decided not to "pursue anything romantic".
EastEnders co-stars Shona McGarty and Max Bowden have decided not to 'pursue anything romantic'
The pair, who play Whitney Dean and Ben Mitchell in the BBC One soap, had been romantically linked, and while they were "never in an official relationship", they are still close pals.
A friend close to the couple told The Sun newspaper: "Max and Shona have never spoken on it publicly but as their close circle would know, they were never in an official relationship and remain close friends who decided not to pursue anything romantic a number of months ago."
Max became a father for the first time in September after his ex-girlfriend Roisin Buckle gave birth to a baby boy, Reginald.
The star wrote on Instagram: "Reginald Buckle welcome to the world son. Born on the 19th September 2022. Greatest feeling in the world and a love like I’ve never felt. Will never get over the feeling of my son looking me in the eye for the first time."
Max also praised Roisin for being "such a strong first time mum" following the arrival of their baby boy earlier this month.
He added: "Well done to Roisin on being such a strong first time Mum and taking to motherhood like a champ. @one_mum_and_a_baby
"Heart is very full of love and gratitude, and can’t wait to love this little man for eternity! (sic)"
Max shared a picture of himself embracing his little boy in hospital.
Roisin also took to Instagram to share a picture of herself and Reginald and admitted she has "never felt love like this".
She wrote: "Reginald Buckle born on the 19th September 2022.
I haven’t been able to post until now as aside from having my hands full I’ve been in a complete bubble of love, bonding with my son and spending time getting to know each other.
I know it’s cliche but I have never felt love like this I cannot even begin to explain."
The former couple split in March, but admitted they would co-parent when their little one was born.
Tagged in Shona McGarty