EastEnders co-stars Max Bowden and Shona McGarty have reportedly split up just six months after their whirlwind romance first started, according to sources.
It is understood the actor – who plays the role of Ben Mitchell on the BBC One soap – and Shona decided to call time on their relationship due to his overwhelming commitments in his life.
An insider told The Sun on Wednesday (October 26) that the dynamic duo went their separate ways shortly after the news broke that the actor had become a dad for the first time with his ex-girlfriend.
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Speaking to the publication, a source revealed: “There has been a lot going on in Max’s life and things were just getting too complicated with Shona being involved.
“Max will always have a lot of love and respect for Shona but it’s just not the right time.
“Everyone is trying to make things as least awkward as possible on set – luckily they don’t have many scenes together.”
A friend close to the former couple chimed in with: “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.”
(Image: INSTAGRAN)
Last month the 27-year-old became a father for the first time with his ex-girlfriend Rosin Buckle after she gave birth to a baby boy just months after their split back in April this year.
At the time, the new dad shared the joyous news with his loyal legion of fans on social media as he welcomed them to the newest member of the family.
He wrote at the time: “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.”
(Image: Instagram)
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! [heart emoji].”
His co-stars soon rushed to congratulate him on the exciting news but loyal fans couldn’t help but notice the Whitney Dean star’s comment was missing.
(Image: @ShonaBM)
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Speculation surrounding their separation first sparked last week when the 31-year-old celebrated her birthday at a party with a slew of her co-stars from the soap.
Once again her former beau was noticeably absent from the birthday bash, with the pair continuing to keep a low profile.
Viewers also noticed that neither of the TV stars attended the recent slew of awards shows while their co-stars could be seen partying the night away at the exclusive events.
But that changed when Max made his first public appearance since becoming a father after he was spotted at the Pride of Britain Awards show alone on Monday night.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
