Truth Behind Katie McGlynn’s New Romance with EastEnders Star Max Bowden
Former Coronation Street favourite Katie McGlynn has set tongues wagging after being spotted sharing a passionate kiss with EastEnders actor Max Bowden. The pair, who are currently touring together in the stage comedy Murder at Midnight, appear to have taken their on-stage chemistry into real life — and according to insiders, this romance is the real deal.
Katie and Max’s Connection Deepens on Tour
Sources close to the pair told OK! that their relationship is far more than a fleeting fling. “This is a genuine relationship,” one insider revealed. “Katie and Max are totally at ease with each other and are actually very well-suited. They’ve grown close while working together and their bond has only deepened off-stage.”
The two were recently photographed kissing outside The Foley Arms, a pub in Malvern, Worcestershire, after a night out with castmates. Having spent months touring the country together, it seems the line between stage partners and real-life lovers has begun to blur.
Heartbreak for Katie’s Ex, Ricky Rayment
The timing of the new romance has proven difficult for Katie’s ex-boyfriend, former TOWIE star Ricky Rayment. The couple ended their two-year relationship in July after what seemed like a promising future together.
A source close to Ricky said, “He still cares about Katie and wants her to be happy, but seeing her kiss Max so soon after their breakup really hurt. Nobody wants to see their ex moving on that quickly, especially when the wounds are still fresh.”
Despite the sting, Ricky reportedly wishes Katie the best and has no plans to speak publicly about the split.
A Pattern for Max Bowden
Max, best known for playing Ben Mitchell on EastEnders, isn’t new to finding romance in familiar circles. The actor, 30, has previously been linked to co-stars Shona McGarty and Danielle Harold, as well as actress Tori Allen-Martin, whom he dated for six months during another theatre project.
Friends of the actor suggest that he and Katie have known each other for years through the soap circuit. “They’ve got loads in common,” one insider said. “They’ve both been in the industry since they were young, and now that they’re single and working together every day, it was almost inevitable.”
From Soap Sets to Stage Sparks
Katie, 32, rose to fame as Sinead Tinker on Coronation Street, where her emotional performances earned her critical praise. Since leaving the show, she’s taken on new challenges — including competing on Strictly Come Dancing and preparing for Celebrity MasterChef.
Her romance with Ricky Rayment once seemed solid. The pair, who met on a cruise in 2023, often shared loved-up posts online and even sparked engagement rumours earlier this year when Katie was seen wearing a diamond ring. But by midsummer, their relationship had quietly ended, with both deleting photos of each other from social media.
What’s Next for Katie and Max?
As Murder at Midnight continues its nationwide run through next spring, Katie and Max’s relationship has plenty of time to grow. Those close to the couple say they’re enjoying their time together without rushing into anything.
“They’re very happy and just seeing where it goes,” a source confirmed. “It’s still early days, but they make each other laugh and genuinely get on. It feels natural.”
With both stars balancing touring schedules, past relationships, and public scrutiny, their romance has already sparked plenty of headlines. Whether it becomes a lasting love story or just another chapter in soapland’s ever-spinning carousel of relationships remains to be seen.