EastEnders fans have only just realised that Honey Mitchell star Emma Barton once dated a very famous star. The actress, 48, who has played the beloved character since 2005, was previously in a relationship with TV presenter Stephen Mulhern, best known for hosting shows like Dancing on Ice and Catchphrase.
Explosive Storyline Takes Centre Stage
Recently on the hit BBC One soap, Honey has been part of an explosive storyline with Bea Pollard and Billy Mitchell. In Tuesday's episode, available on BBC iPlayer, Honey woke up trapped in a locked cottage with Bea, who was holding her hostage. After Honey's loved ones realised she was missing, she made a clever move by leaving a hidden clue while being forced to transfer money from the Minute Mart accounts. Honey escaped and the episode ended with Bea sneaking into Peacock Palace before being arrested after attacking Honey and Billy.
How They Met
With Honey taking centre stage, many soap watchers have been curious about Emma's life away from the BBC One soap. It has been reported that Stephen and Emma met while performing in a 2008 panto production of Snow White. Emma played Snow White while Stephen, 49, played her loyal best friend Muddles. Like many celebrity couples, they kept their relationship private but mutually decided to split in 2011. Britain's Got More Talent presenter Stephen previously disclosed that the romance ended due to a "natural end".
Stephen's Dating Life
Stephen has expressed optimism about finding 'the one' but cited his hectic work life as an obstacle. Speaking to Celebs Now in 2018, Stephen admitted: "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."
Fan Reactions
Soap watchers have been left stunned after realising Stephen and Emma's past romance. On an EastEnders Facebook fan page, one person wrote: "Didn't realise these two have been in a relationship." A second chimed in: "I would not put them together, I love Stephen." A third mused: "I had no idea that they were a couple."
Life After the Split
Following their split, Emma has found love with musician Jason Perry, best known as the vocalist for alternative rock band A. Meanwhile, it is not known if Stephen is dating anyone at the moment.
EastEnders airs Monday to Thursday at 7:30pm on BBC One.
