Bobby Brazier has split from Ellie Leach after a whirlwind rumoured romance, it has been claimed.
The EastEnders star, 20, grew close to the Coronation Street icon, 23, while competing on the most recent series of Strictly Come Dancing.
They also took part in the arena show earlier this year, but are said to have since gone their separate ways.
According to reports, they realized that they had been spending less time together after returning home from the tour, and decided to call time on their relationship.
‘Love blossomed between them when they were in close quarters on the tour, but once that ended they both spent much less time together,’ an insider claimed.
‘That gave them space to think about the future, which is likely to take them in very different directions over the coming year or two.’
‘So they decided the best thing to do was quit while they were ahead and while they were still pals, because they both really cherish the friendship they have,’ the source added to the Sun.
Bobby, who is set to make an eagerly-anticipated return to EastEnders soon, met Ellie last year as they competed on Strictly, with the soap actress eventually going on to win the show with Vito Coppola.
Although they were in separate partnerships – Bobby was paired with Diane Buswell– sparks clearly began to fly between the pair.
Neither confirmed the speculation directly, or reports of their split, but were pictured looking very cosy while posing on the red carpet at the press night of Hadestown play in London last month.
The model, eldest son of Jade Goody and Jeff Brazier, previously couldn’t help but rave about their connection, and told the Sun’s Bizarre column: ‘I made good friends with Ellie.
‘We spent a lot of time together on the tour, which I love because we were just always pretty close to each other, but that’s all.
‘I hope to stay in touch with her. I met her parents too, they’re brilliant.’
‘Ellie is a sweetheart,’ he emphasised to Metro.co.uk at the TV Choice Awards. ‘She’s there. Look at her, she’s beautiful, she’s amazing. She’s good at what she does. She’s a good dancer.’
When asked about a romantic spark, he added: ‘I’ve got some things to do. I’ve got career things to do. I’ve got personal things to do. I’ve got other things to do.’
