EastEnders star Emma Barton first appeared on television screens as fan favourite Honey Mitchell back in 2005.
Over the past 16 years, Honey has been faced with plenty of heartache from copying with her daughter Janet having Down syndrome to the breakdown of her marriage with Billy Mitchell (Perry Fenwick).
She was also in a toxic relationship with her dentist Adam Bateman (Stephen Rahman-Hughes) which left her with low self esteem and suffering with bulimia.
Actress Emma, 44, herself has had a colourful love life and has even been linked to some of her Eastenders co-stars.
Daily Star has taken a look into the soap star’s relationships off-screen.
Sad divorce
(Image: BBC)
Emma’s four-year marriage to lawyer Nigel Stoat came to an end the same year she joined the cast of EastEnders.
The pair wed in 2002 but split three years later in 2005.
A friend of the couple told People Magazine at the time: “Both are devastated their marriage didn’t work out.
“Ultimately it was Emma who decided they couldn’t go on. It hasn’t been easy on either of them.”
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Shortly after their split, it was reported the actress had begun dating a policeman named Harry Waddingham.
He was the brother on one of her co-stars in the West End musical, Grease, and she is thought to have introduced them.
Speaking at the time the Insider added: “Quite a few eyebrows have risen at the speed in which she has found romance though.”
However, it seemed the romance wasn’t meant to be between Emma and Harry.
Co-star romance
(Image: Getty Images)
It was reported in 2007 that Emma was romantically linked with EastEnders heartthrob Joel Beckett, who famously played Jake Moon from 2004 until 2006.
However, it appears that it wasn’t meant to be for Emma and Joel.
A source close to Emma told Sunday People that the pair had split amicably in April 2009.
They said at the time: “Emma is making the most of being single.”
Stephen Mulhern split
(Image: Getty Images)
Emma dated ITV star Stephen Mulhern after they starred in a string of pantomimes together back in 2008.
Sadly, the Britain’s Got More Talent host said their relationship came to a “natural end” in 2011.
It is unknown if Stephen is currently in a relationship.
In a previous interview with Celebs Now recently, the Catchphrase presenter admitted he was “on my own”.
And when asked if he was a “single pringle”, he replied, “I am yes.”
(Image: ITV)
He added: “Last time I went on a date was about four years ago.
“That makes me sound really sad! I need a life. I need to stop working so much.”
But Stephen’s not ruled out love just yet, as he admitted he was “keen” to find “the one”.
Although he did rule out online dating with a resounding “no way”, saying he thought it would be “a bit weird” and “bizarre” for someone from the TV to find a date online.
Jay fancies Honey in real-life
(Image: BBC / Jack Barnes)
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Emma’s EastEnders co-star Jame Borthwick, who plays Jay Brown in the soap, announced his crush on her back in 2016.
The actor revealed he’s fancied Emma since he was 14 years old.
However, Emma quickly shut down potential romance rumours, claiming he was “more like a brother”.
Fast-forward five years and Emma’s character Honey is now in fact dating Jamie’s alter ego Jay.
Honey and Jay’s romance raised eyebrows amongst viewers due to the age-gap.
Jay’s close pal Billy, who happens to be Honey’s ex-husband, was also not happy when they confirmed their relationship last year.
Emma’s current relationship status is unknown, with her apparently preferring to keep things more private these days.
EastEnders continues Monday on BBC One at 8.05pm
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
