EASTENDERS star Danny Walters has gone public with his relationship after finding love with reality TV contestant Maddi Faircloth.
The actor – who plays Keanu Taylor in the BBC One soap – posted a romantic snap of himself with girlfriend Maddi as they relaxed at Champneys spa resort.
Danny, 28, hid his girlfriend’s identity in the snap, ensuring she was facing away from the camera as he looked lovingly towards her.
A source revealed to the MailOnline that he had been dating Shipmates favourite Maddi, who took part in the raunchy reality series in 2019, for many months.
“Danny is smitten with Maddi but wanted to keep the relationship low profile,” the insider revealed of their relationship, which sparked last year.
“It’s still early days but they enjoyed spending Christmas together and pals believe they’ll get even more serious. Everyone is chuffed to bits for them.”
Danny – who rose to fame on Benidorm – split from his long-term ex-girlfriend Lily Smith in 2019 after five years of dating to focus on his career.
Maddi, a data analyst who sells her own artwork, took part in Channel 4 series Shipmates in the same year, where she was seen partying on a luxury cruiseship.
The show, labelled “Love Island on a boat”, received mixed reviews from viewers – with one branding it a “ghastly tableau of sun, sex and swollen genitals”.
Maddi and four of her friends competed against a rival group in a bid to gain votes from the ship’s 1500 party-loving passengers.
The team with the most votes would be crowned the most popular and win a luxury all-inclusive holiday to Bali as part of their winnings.
Maddi openly discussed her breasts, including the moles around her nipples she dubbed “the solar system” in one hilarious moment in the series.
Meanwhile, Danny departed from Albert Square in 2020 as his character Keanu moved to Spain after his failed fling with Sharon Watts.
The affair, which happened behind her partner Phil Mitchell’s back, resulted in the birth of their youngest son Albie.
Keanu also fathered daughter Peggy with Louise Mitchell – Sharon’s stepdaughter – in another shocking turn of events before he fled Walford.
HOAR exclusively revealed Danny would have an explosive exit from the show after he quit to focus on other projects.
An insider told HOAR Online: “Keanu should know that secrets never stay secret in Walford and he’s been playing with fire for months.
“The truth is going to come out in spectacular fashion and bosses are promising that Keanu’s exit is going to be explosive.”
Danny said: “It has been a joy to play Keanu Taylor for the last two and half years.
“I have been blessed to work with the most fantastic creative team and I will miss them and my fellow actors immensely.
“EastEnders will always hold a special place in my heart and I will continue to be an avid fan.”
