Max Bowden looks downcast in first appearance since split from co star Shona McGarty

EASTENDERS star Max Bowden looked downcast after splitting from his co-star Shona McGarty weeks after becoming a dad.

The 27-year-old, known to millions as Ben Mitchell in the BBC One soap, enjoyed a six month romance with his co-star.

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Max Bowden looked downcast as he was spotted for the first time since splitting from his co-star[/caption]

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The 27-year-old actor cut a rough figure as he grabbed some lunch in between filming[/caption]

He amicably split from Shona, who plays Whitney Dean, earlier this month.

Today the actor was spotted for the first time and cut a lonely figure after collecting food.

Max was spotted clutching what appears to be a large paper takeaway food bag as he tried to relax on a break from filming.

He donned a grey buttoned Harrington jacket, black jeans with clashing brown Chelsea boots whilst his hair remained messy.

The actor welcomed a son with his previous ex-girlfriend Roisin Buckle.

A source said: “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 couple confirmed the split was amicable and they remain good friends.

They commented: “Max and Shona have never spoken on it publicly”

Adding: “They were never in an official relationship and remain close friends who decided not to pursue anything romantic a number of months ago.“

Last month Max became a dad as his ex Roisin Buckle gave birth to a baby boy following their split in April.

He posted 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.

“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! .”

His co-stars rushed to congratulate him, but Shona’s comment was noticeably absent.

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A source claims their split will not affect production on EastEnders as a source claimed they “don’t have many scenes together”[/caption]

Instagram/@shonabmx

A source close to Max insisted he and Shona McGarty remained friends[/caption]

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Max Bowden split from Shona McGarty after a six month romance[/caption]