EastEnders stars Shona McGarty and Max Bowden were all smiles as they arrived at the British Soap Awards together on Saturday at London’s Hackney Empire.
The soap stars, who play Whitney Dean and Ben Mitchell on the iconic BBC One soap are said to have 'grown close' after Max split from his pregnant girlfriend this year.
Max, 27, who is the sixth actor to play character Ben Mitchell in the BBC soap, has also been pictured leaving Shona's Welwyn Garden City home recently.
And the co-stars looked smitten as they giggled and joked with one another at the Soap Awards before they walked the red carpet separately amid burning romance rumours.
In exclusive pictures, brunette beauty Shona was seen gazing at Max with sparkling eyes as the co-stars appeared in high spirits after arriving to the annual awards - where EastEnders won four gongs including an Outstanding Achievement award for stalwart Letitia Dean, 54, who plays Sharon Watts.
Shona looked sensational on the red carpet after having a giggle with Max as she stole the show in a dazzling strapless gown.
The soap star oozed Hollywood glamour as she styled her black locks in a classic up-do before adding a slick of red lipstick to her lips.
Meanwhile, her rumoured romantic partner Max oozed confidence as he greeted fans on the red carpet in a dapper suit.
Their sweet Soap Awards interaction comes amid rumours the pair have grown 'incredibly close' in recent months - despite working alongside one another on the BBC One soap for a number of years now.
A source recently told the Sun : "They spend as much time together as they can.
"Most nights or mornings Max is seen entering or leaving Shona’s home.
"He wears the same clothes most days.''
Meanwhile Max's ex-girlfiend insurance exec Roisin Buckle, who is expecting a baby boy, has vowed they will co-parent their child together, despite the split.
Shona is still single after splitting from electrician fiancé Ryan Harris in January.
