EastEnders' Maisie Smith addresses Zack Morris romance rumours

EastEnders and Strictly Come Dancing star Maisie Smith has responded to rumours that she is romantically involved with her former co-star Zack Morris.

The duo play estranged couple Tiffany Butcher and Keegan Baker in the BBC One soap — until last week, that is, when Tiffany's final scenes aired.

After Tiffany gave Keegan an ultimatum to try and save their relationship, she waited for him at the station. When he didn't show, she departed Walford.

So what about the rumours of a real-life relationship?

tiffany butcher and keegan baker in eastenders

BBC

In a lengthy interview with The Sun, in which she talks about topics including missing the dancing competition and trying to be more confident in her appearance, Maisie shot down any talk of romance.

"It's similar to HRVY in that we are just very close," she said. "Me and Zack worked every single day together, so we built such a nice friendship and we meet up.

"Because he's the opposite sex, people just jump to conclusions that we are an item. We're actually just good friends."

maisie smith at the "friends festive" vip launch party

Jeff Spicer//Getty Images

Speaking about life outside of working to a demanding soap schedule, Maisie said she's enjoying the freedom, stating: "I'm unemployed now for the first time in my entire life!

"The first thing I did was cut my hair. It's quite weird being able to just [change my look]. I got a lip piercing, just because I could. Now every day is a different look, which is exciting.

"I was working 12-hour days and now I can get up when I want. I've signed up for different dancing, fitness and singing classes. I want to work on my craft and keep my mind a little bit active."

2022 will see the actress' pre-filmed appearance in Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins air, while she will travel to America to both try and break Hollywood and visit Bianca actress Patsy Palmer, who lives out in Malibu and famously wouldn't want to say she's a DJ but... she is.

EastEnders airs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays on BBC One.