A STORY linking Bolton-born EastEnders heart-throb Paul Nicholls with his glamorous and older co-star Martine McCutcheon has been rubbished by his mum.

Paul's name was brought up in a newspaper interview with Gareth Cooke, the jilted fiancee of Martine, who plays Queen Vic temptress Tiffany.

But Paul's mum Julie Greenhalgh said: "I can tell you now it's absolute rubbish. She'd eat him alive."

Since splitting with Gareth, Martine's name has been linked with Simply Red frontman Mick Hucknall.

But in a Sunday paper Martine's ex said that he had received anonymous calls linking Martine with 17-year-old Paul, who plays Joe, the son of David Wicks.

Mrs Greenhalgh, speaking from the family home in Smithills today, said: "His name was linked with Danniella Westbrook when she was in it. "You've got to expect these sort of things. If he goes for a drink with someone he's immediately going out with them. But I can tell you this is not true."

She added: "Someone is just stirring it for Martine. I know Paul gets on well with all the cast and they look after him. I bet they're having a good laugh over these recent rumours."

Paul's love of acting was nurtured as a youngster at Church Road primary school and developed as a pupil at Smithills High School.

Ardent Wanderers' fan Paul has just signed a new contract keeping him in the show until next February.

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