Charlie and Max star on the soap together (Picture: Rex/Getty)
EastEnders actor Max Bowden has reportedly grown close to his co-star Charlie Brooks in the wake of his split from Shona McGarty.
However, the Janine Butcher actress, 41, has denied any suggestion of romance between her and Max, 27.
Max, who plays Ben Mitchell on the soap, became a dad with ex Roisin Buckle in September, with the new parents welcoming their son Reginald Buckle into the world together.
However, in the interim, Max was reportedly ‘secretly dating’ 31-year-old Shona – who stars as Whitney Dean – for six months.
Roisin had previously claimed on her podcast One Mum And A Baby that she had not heard from Max in two months and he had not been present for their baby’s 20-week scan.
A source at the soap has now claimed that Charlie is a ‘great role model’ for Max, becoming close to him as he re-organised his priorities and prepared to become a first-time parent.
Max, who plays Ben Mitchell, was previosuly dating co-star Shona McGarty, who plays Whitney Dean (Picture: BBC)
The soap insider told The Sun: ‘She’s been a bit of a shoulder for him to cry on too. Charlie is a great role model for Max.
‘She’s always really open about the benefits of giving up partying hard and how much her life has changed for the better because of it.
‘They’ve become closer than ever on set and Max knows he can always rely on her for help.’
Clarifying the nature of their relationship, Charlie told the publication: ‘I’ve known Max for years. He’s basically like a little brother.’
Max become a father for the first time two months ago (Picture: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Charlie called the actor ‘like a little brother’ (Picture: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
The source claimed that Max ‘realised he needed to sort his life out’ and decided to ‘stop being the wild-man’ with partying ahead of Reginald’s arrival.
They alleged that this led to ‘a number of arguments’ with then-girlfriend Shona, leading to Max’s closer bond with Charlie.
The former couple had seemingly confirmed their romance in August after months of speculation.
Max with his new son, Reginald, with his former girlfriend Roisin Buckle (Picture: Instagram)
He had previously appeared to go Instagram official with Shona back in August (Picture: Instagram)
Max and Shona posed for a series of snaps at the House and Classics Festival in Essex, which Shona subsequently shared on her Instagram profile.
Max was pictured with his arm around her in one picture, while a selfie saw the duo pose for the camera, making kiss faces.
Shona posted these pics – as well as a number of others, including a video of she, Max and their pals dancing – with the caption: ‘Can’t wait for the next one xx @adhq_kammy_ @bubblydamz@bowden5’
‘Squad,’ commented Max with a fire emoji, while co-star James Farrar (Zack Hudson), added: ‘@bowden5 Absolute rascal.’
Metro.co.uk has contacted reps for Max and Charlie for comment.
MORE : EastEnders spoilers: Ben desperately researches ways to save Lola’s life in death story
MORE : Emmerdale and Lethal Weapon star Patsy Kensit joins EastEnders for Lola death story
Max has recently become a new dad and was previously dating co-star Shona McGarty.
