Dancing On Ice host Stephen Mulhern dated one well known EastEnders star for three years, but the former couple kept their relationship on the down-low.

EastEnders fans are stunned to learn that one of the show’s most iconic stars once had a romantic connection with Dancing On Ice presenter Stephen Mulhern.

Emma Barton, who has portrayed Honey Mitchell since joining the BBC One soap in 2005, has been a central figure in numerous pivotal storylines, including her battles with an eating disorder and a high-profile affair with Jay Brown, played by Jamie Borthwick.

The character’s recent wedding to Billy Mitchell, played by Perry Fenwick, was marred by disaster when an explosion at the Queen Vic resulted in the death of Martin Fowler, played by James Bye, OK! reports.

Emma plays Honey on the BBC soap(Image: BBC)

However, it’s Barton’s off-screen past with Mulhern, known for hosting Dancing on Ice and Catchphrase, that has left fans reeling.

According to reports, the pair met during a 2008 pantomime production of Snow White, where Barton took on the lead role and Mulhern played the character Muddles. Despite keeping their romance private, the couple parted ways amicably in 2011.

Mulhern, who has also worked on Britain’s Got More Talent, has spoken candidly about the relationship coming to a “natural end”.

In a 2018 interview with Celebs Now, Mulhern opened up about his struggles in the romance department, revealing that his busy schedule has hindered his love life. He confessed: “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.”

EastEnders devotees were in for a shock when they found out that Stephen and Emma Willis were once together.

A fan on an EastEnders Facebook group couldn’t hide their astonishment, posting: “Didn’t realise these two have been in a relationship.”

The revelation sparked further discussion among the community, with one member expressing: “I would not put them together, I love Stephen.”

Another was just as surprised, chiming in with, “I had no idea that they were a couple.”

Since parting ways, Emma has found companionship with Jason Perry, the lead singer of rock band A, meanwhile, the details of Stephen’s romantic dealings are shrouded in secrecy.