Meryl Streep and Martin Short’s relationship was the ‘worst kept secret’ on Only Murders in the Building

Meryl Streep and Martin Short’s romance may have shocked fans, but it was the ‘worst kept secret’ on the set of Only Murders In The Building, according to a source who claimed their ‘affection’ was palpable both on and off screen .

The Hollywood icons, who play lovers Loretta Durkin and Oliver Putnam, fueled rumors they are dating in real life after being photographed together several times – with the pair even holding hands at an event for their hit Hulu series in August.

At the time, a rep for Streep, 75, told Page Six they were “just friends” but insiders have now revealed to DailyMail.com that a romance blossomed on set.

“Meryl and Martin denied their romantic involvement months ago,” the source began. ‘They are the worst kept secret in the entire production. No one really asks them anything because they don’t have to.”

Short also denied romance rumors after he and Streep were called a “power couple” on Bill Maher’s Club Random podcast in January.

The insider explained that their “affection” was just as palpable when the cameras stopped rolling on set – the pair play on-screen lovers Loretta Durkin and Oliver Putnam.

“We’re not a couple,” he insisted. “We’re just really good friends.”

But for those who witnessed the pair on set, there were no questions marks about the nature of their relationship.

“Their affection for each other doesn’t stop when the cameras stop rolling,” the insider noted. ‘They wait for each other to film scenes before leaving, eat together between takes and are constantly building their characters together.

“They don’t kiss or show blatant signs of romance on set because they’re professionals. Everyone respects what they have.’

The source also pointed out that the romance seemed to have influenced Streep’s decision to stay on the show longer than the usual one-season stint.

“Meryl didn’t have to stay as long as she did,” they added.

Earlier this month, John Hoffman, the show’s co-creator, appeared to confirm the rumors.

“You know, it’s one of the most unexpected turns, but I remember thinking, ‘God,'” he said of the duo during an interview with Decision maker.

“They wait for each other to film scenes before leaving, eat together between takes…,” the source said

The source noted that it was special to see Short connect with someone new after losing his wife Nancy Dolman to cancer in 2010 (pictured at The AFI Awards Luncheon)

“When I met Meryl, like I knew Marty, and then I saw them work together in Season 3, it was just incredible. We were laughing our heads off and they were just enjoying each other on screen, in every way off screen.”

The duo, who have known each other for years, both previously had a long-term relationship.

Streep was married to sculptor Don Gummer for almost four decades, with their split only confirmed last October, despite quietly splitting six years earlier.

They are parents to Henry, 44, Mamie, 41, Grace, 38, and Louisa, 33.

Short’s wife Nancy Dolman died in 2010 after she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. They were married for 30 years and had three children: Katherine, 40, Oliver, 38, and Henry, 35.

The source noted that it was special to see the actor connect with someone new.

“Martin hasn’t been in love or had anyone in his life since Nancy died,” they said. ‘He said he was done with love after her.

‘They have known each other for so long and clearly enjoy what they do and build. It’s like life imitating art, and they’re two icons.”

Their costar Steve Martin seemed to poke fun at the new couple when he edited a photo taken of the trio in February 2023 (see above)

Their costar Steve Martin appeared to poke fun at the new couple earlier this month.

The Cheaper By The Dozen favorite reposted a photo of Glamor on his main page posing with Short and Streep, but added a crossed-out red circle over his own face.

The photo appears to have been taken when the trio attended a play together in February 2023.

Social media users were quick to wonder if Martin was referring to the relationship rumors.

Speculation has been bubbling since January, when the couple looked cozy while sitting together at the Golden Globe Awards.

In February, the two were spotted having dinner with a group of friends in Santa Monica, before a fan snapped a photo of them enjoying a performance of Merrily We Roll along on Broadway the following month.

In May, Short addressed the rumors during an interview with People.

“It’s always interesting,” he said. ‘Show business relations and spec. She’s fantastic. There’s no one who doesn’t love her.’

Weeks later in August, the duo further fueled romance rumors when they were spotted holding hands at the season four premiere of Only Murders in the Building in Los Angeles.

The source claimed that the romance influenced Streep’s character being part of the show for more than one season (pictured with Steve Martin and Selena Gomez)

The Devil Wears Prada actress was dressed to impress in a printed dress, while Short looked dapper in a classic black suit.

In September, Short briefly discussed his and Streep’s friendship when they were not in front of the camera.

“I think it’s a friendship that always grows when you work with someone and love that person,” he told Extra.

The romance rumors increased again when Streep and Short enjoyed dinner last week.

The two stars stopped at the famous hotspot Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica – and left the venue in the same vehicle.