EastEnders’ Shane Ritchie comforted over marriage split by musicals co-star who’s ‘kept the smile on his face’

EASTENDERS’ star Shane Richie is being comforted over his marriage split by soap and musicals co-star Marianne “Mazz” Murray. Friends say his long-time pal, who appeared with the 62-year-old in Boogie Nights — The Musical, has “kept the smile on his face” during his break-up from wife Christie. Shane Richie with Grace Kennedy (left) and Mazz Murray (right) Credit: Alamy Mazz is known for playing Donna Sheridan in the West End production of Mamma Mia! Credit: Can Nguyen We told last week how Shane and Christie’s 19-year marriage had ended after she grew “fed up” with his behaviour. Their divorce is understood to have been finalised on July 23, six days before he was arrested for drink driving after a rant at a petrol station in Harlow, Essex. Amid the turmoil, Shane’s close relationship with singer and actress Mazz, 51, has “put a spring back in his step”, it is said. A source said: “Shane and Mazz have always got on like a house on fire and in recent months, as his marriage crumbled, Shane’s found himself buoyed by their friendship. “She’s had a painful split of her own so the pair have found solace sharing their experiences. “They make each other laugh, trust and like each other so it’s no surprise they’ve grown closer. “It’s early days, but Shane and Mazz have a spark, and friends are looking forward to seeing where their relationship goes.” Shane, who has three children with Christie, 47, was accused of cheating during their marriage, as he admitted doing with his first wife, singer Coleen Nolan. Shane’s 19-year marriage ended after his ex-wife grew ‘fed up’ with his behaviour Credit: Click News and Media Shane and Christie’s divorce is understood to have been finalised on July 23 Credit: Click News and Media His first EastEnders’ appearance as loveable rogue Alfie Moon was in 2002 and the character returned after three years away in 2022. Mazz made two appearances in July as Joel Murray’s mum, was in a single episode as a character called “Julie” in 2017 and in two as “Miranda” in 2004, who flirted with Shane’s Alfie in one of them. She also joined Shane in 1999 in Boogie Nights — The Musical for the final leg of its UK tour. Mazz is known for playing Donna Sheridan in the West End production of Mamma Mia! and the Killer Queen in the Queen musical We Will Rock You. She married in 2009 and Queen legend Brian May performed at the wedding. She had two sons with husband Oren Harush. Christie, meanwhile, has been throwing herself into health and fitness. A source said: “She wants to step into her new single era looking the best she’s ever looked.” Asked at the Surrey home she still shares with Shane if they had divorced, she answered: “Yes.” The Sun on Sunday approached Shane and Mazz for comment.