Former EastEnders star Davood Ghadami has found himself at the center of romance speculation after reports surfaced 

that he has left his wife and is now in a relationship with his pantomime co-star, Melanie Barker.

Ghadami, best known for his role as Kush Kazemi on the BBC soap from 2014 to 2021, 

reportedly formed a close bond with Barker while performing together in a stage production of Aladdin. 

According to sources, their chemistry was undeniable, and the pair have since gone public with their relationship.

Ghadami and Barker’s On-Stage Chemistry Sparks Relationship Rumors

The 42-year-old actor starred in the Aladdin pantomime at the Waterside Theatre in 2022/2023, taking on the role of the villainous sorcerer Abanazar. Meanwhile, 32-year-old Barker played Princess Jasmine in the same production.

During their time on stage, their connection reportedly became evident, with a source telling The Sun:

“They are two very attractive people and it was clear they had sizzling on-stage chemistry together.”

Even after the production ended, the pair remained in touch, fueling rumors that their connection had developed into something more.

“The genie is now well and truly out of the bottle and they are a proper couple—living together, training together, and posting photos on Instagram together,” the source added.

While some have speculated that Ghadami and Barker may have left their previous relationships for each other, Barker has since addressed the claims, insisting that their romance began only after both had already separated from their former partners.

Barker Speaks Out: “We Didn’t Leave Our Partners for Each Other”

Responding to the speculation, Barker spoke with The Independent, clarifying the timeline of their relationship. She revealed that she had filed for divorce in June 2023, while Ghadami left his marriage in October of the same year.

“Yes, myself and Davood are very happily together. No, we didn’t leave our partners for each other,” she stated. “We’re just so happy. He’s a wonderful man.”

Barker also emphasized that Ghadami has maintained a positive and healthy co-parenting relationship with his ex-wife.

“Davood has a good co-parenting relationship with his ex-wife. He has a very healthy relationship with her… And I’m so lucky to have a new life with Davood.”

Strictly Come Dancing and Previous Romance Rumors

This is not the first time Ghadami has been caught up in romance speculation. During his 2017 appearance on Strictly Come Dancing, rumors swirled about a possible relationship with his professional dance partner, Nadiya Bychkova.

At the time, Ghadami dismissed any claims of a so-called Strictly curse, stating:

“People will say things. As long as you know the truth and the people you love know the truth, it shouldn’t matter.”

He also pointed out that his wife was already accustomed to seeing him in romantic on-screen roles, given his years on EastEnders.

“My wife watches Kush on the TV pretending to be married to or sleeping with another character. So she is used to dealing with this sort of situation in my professional life.”

A New Chapter for Ghadami and Barker

Despite the swirling rumors, it appears that both Ghadami and Barker are focused on their new relationship and moving forward together. Their bond, which started in the world of pantomime, has now developed into something much more personal.

While some fans may still speculate about the exact details of their respective breakups, Barker’s comments suggest that their relationship began only after both had ended their previous commitments.

As Ghadami continues to navigate his career post-EastEnders, and Barker finalizes her divorce, the pair seem to be embracing their new chapter together—one that has certainly captured the attention of soap fans and theatergoers alike.

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