EastEnders' real-life romances from Steve McFadden and Lucy Benjamin to Joe Swash's heartbreak

EastEnders has not only been the birthplace of some unforgettable on-screen couples, but it has also ignited off-screen romances among its cast members. Over time, love has blossomed behind the scenes for big names such as Loose Women panellist Nadia Sawalha and Phil Mitchell star Steve McFadden.

Thankfully, the soap stars' real-life romances are far less complicated than their Albert Square counterparts. However, none of these romantic relationships have stood the test of time, eventually fading away after a few years.

Here, we shine a light on the actors who met on the set of EastEnders and became real-life couples, reports the Express.

Steve McFadden found love with Lucy Benjamin when she joined the cast as Lisa Fowler in 1998.

Their time together saw Lisa engage in an on-screen romance with Phil, as well as being revealed as his shooter in the infamous 'Who Shot Phil Mitchell' storyline.

While their characters endured a tumultuous relationship on the show, Steve and Lucy's off-screen romance flourished, with the pair dating for four years between 1999 and 2003.

Despite parting ways, the two have maintained a strong friendship, with Lucy sharing on ITV's Loose Women how much she enjoyed working with Steve, 65, again when Lisa made a return to Albert Square in 2017.

"There is so much stuff between Lisa and Phil. It was easy to play that. It was strange really, but lovely to be working with Steve, Tish and Natalie Cassidy again," Lucy shared.

She added: "It was strange really but within 10 minutes it was like I'd never been away. It felt like reuniting with old friends and I knew they would take good care of me upon my return."

Off-screen, Steve is a father to five children and lives with his partner Karen Cairns.

Lucy,