Actress Louise delos Reyes has put to rest long-standing rumors about her relationship with actor Alden Richards, confirming that despite their close working relationship, they never became a couple.

The pair, once a popular loveteam under GMA Network, starred in several hit teleseryes, including ‘Alakdana’ (2011), ‘One True Love’ (2012), and ‘Mundo Mo’y Akin’ (2013).

During an appearance on ‘Fast Talk with Boy Abunda’ on October 1, Louise was asked point-blank by host Boy Abunda if she and Alden ever dated. Louise quickly responded, “No,” explaining that while they were close, their relationship remained strictly platonic. She revealed that someone else was already pursuing her at the time, which prevented any romantic development between her and Alden.

Louise also addressed the emotional impact she felt when the AlDub loveteam, featuring Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza, became a massive cultural phenomenon during the ‘Kalyeserye’ segment of ‘Eat Bulaga.’ She admitted that she often found herself caught in the middle of fan discussions, which led to intense online scrutiny and even personal attacks directed at her and her family.

“Pero ngayon kasi nasa posisyon, especially ako na better headspace, dati kasi siyempre iniisip mo ‘Ano ba ‘yan bakit palaging dinadawit ako?’ Lahat na lang ng sabihin ko mali at dinadamay pa ang nanay ko, yung family ko,” Louise shared, adding that it became difficult when her mother and family were also targeted by harsh comments from AlDub fans.

Now, years after the peak of AlDub’s popularity, Louise said she has gained a better understanding of the situation. “Ngayon, naiintindihan ko where they are coming from. So mas okay na ako ngayon in terms of handling those kinds of bashing,” she explained.

While Alden Richards and Louise delos Reyes have since moved on to different projects and paths in their careers, their past work together remains a significant chapter in their professional lives.