Ricky and Carley announce split

Ricky Whittle and his Hollyoaks co-star Carley Stenson have split up, the soap's bosses have confirmed.

The acting couple, who play Calvin Valentine and Steph Dean in the Channel 4 soap, have called time on their two-year relationship, though they are said to still be friends.

A spokeswoman for the show said: "Carley Stenson and Ricky Whittle have announced their decision to separate - the pair remain good friends but do not wish to comment any further."

Ricky is currently taking part in Strictly Come Dancing, where he is partnered by Natalie Lowe and is working hard to fulfill commitments to both programmes.