It has been revealed that EastEnders actors Danielle Harold and Max Bowden had a secret romance while working together on the popular BBC soap.
The pair, who portrayed Lola Pearce and Ben Mitchell, reportedly dated for several years but chose to keep their relationship private.
A Hidden Romance Behind the Scenes
While their characters shared a deep connection on-screen—co-parenting their daughter Lexi—Harold and Bowden were also romantically involved off-screen.
Sources claim that their relationship was well-known among their EastEnders colleagues, with many believing they made a sweet couple.
However, their romance was never publicly acknowledged until now.
Harold’s departure from EastEnders in 2023 marked a significant moment for both her character and the show’s storyline. Lola Pearce’s tragic battle with a brain tumour moved audiences, earning Harold multiple awards for her emotional performance. Bowden followed suit a year later, exiting the soap when his character, Ben Mitchell, was sentenced to prison for credit card fraud in the United States while researching treatment options for Lola’s illness.
A Difficult Breakup
Despite their long-running romance, sources suggest that things did not end amicably between the pair. Reports indicate that Harold and Bowden have since unfollowed each other on Instagram, fueling speculation that their breakup was not on the best terms.
An insider revealed:
“Danielle and Max dated for a number of years. Of course, it was known among the EastEnders cast and everyone thought they were sweet together. Their relationship hasn’t ended on the best terms, and they have even unfollowed each other on Instagram. There are a lot of emotions after they were friends, colleagues, and romantically involved for such a long time.”
A Close Friendship Turned Romance
Before news of their past relationship emerged, Harold and Bowden often spoke fondly of each other in interviews, reflecting on their time working together.
When Harold’s time on EastEnders came to an end, Bowden dedicated a heartfelt post to her, writing:
“Our girl. What you have achieved in the last twelve months is extraordinary. My whole EastEnders ‘journey’ started with you, and what a ride it’s been.”
He went on to praise her dedication and support, adding:
“Watching you work so closely every day has been inspiring but hasn’t quite topped being your friend. You’ve been there for all of us when we’ve needed a friend, and for that, I can only thank you.”
Their close bond was also evident when they appeared together on an episode of Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, which aired on Valentine’s Day. During the episode, the duo gave a rare insight into their relationship, hinting at their deep connection.
When antiques expert Ishy Khan remarked, “You can tell there’s love there,” Harold replied, “Yeah, there is. He loves me really. He pretends like he don’t, but he does.”
Bowden added, “We did some really dark and beautiful storylines together, so we’ve spent a lot of time in each other’s pockets, which is why we’re so comfortable with each other.”
Life After EastEnders
Following her emotional EastEnders exit, Harold has been busy with various television appearances. She joined the cast of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! and also featured in Netflix’s Celebrity Bear Hunt alongside survival expert Bear Grylls.
Bowden, on the other hand, has shifted his focus to theatre, preparing for a role in the upcoming musical adaptation of Midnight Cowboy.
Outside of his relationship with Harold, Bowden has had a well-documented dating history. He was previously in a relationship with Roisin Buckle, with whom he shares a son born in September 2022. He also dated fellow EastEnders star Shona McGarty, who played Whitney Dean, for six months.
The End of an Era
While Harold and Bowden’s relationship remained a secret for years, its recent revelation has sparked curiosity among EastEnders fans. Though their romance may not have had a fairy-tale ending, their time together—both on and off-screen—has left a lasting impact.
As they move forward with their respective careers, audiences will undoubtedly continue to follow their journeys, whether in the world of television, theatre, or beyond.
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