The actress, who plays Honey Edwards, walked out of her home after telling Nigel Stoat that their marriage was over.
"Both are devastated their marriage didn't work out," a friend of the couple told The People. "Ultimately it was Emma who decided they couldn't go on. It hasn't been easy on either of them. Quite a few eyebrows have risen at the speed in which she has found romance though."
Barton has now started a relationship with cop Harry Waddingham, who was introduced to her by his sister.
"She has been over at his place a lot and they are always very affectionate with each other," a source added. "They can be seen laughing and smiling together."
An EastEnders spokeswoman said, "This is a private matter between Emma and her family."
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