Hollyoaks co-stars Ricky Whittle and Carley Stenson have ended their two-year relationship, Digital Spy can exclusively reveal.

The pair have been dating since October 2007 but recently decided to call time on their romance and remain close friends.

A Hollyoaks spokesperson confirmed to DS: “Carley Stenson and Ricky Whittle have announced their decision to separate. The pair remain good friends but do not wish to comment any further.”

Whittle – who plays Calvin Valentine in the Channel 4 soap – is currently competing in BBC One annual reality contest Strictly Come Dancing and is enduring a gruelling schedule to fulfil both commitments.

Stenson stars as Steph Dean in the series.