Roxanne Pallett and Richard Fleeshman first got together after meeting on ITV’s Soapstar Superstar singing show in 2006. But after dating for almost two years, Roxanne has dumped Richard this week.

Roxanne, who is better known as Jo Stiles from Emmerdale, is said to have ended the relationship due to the fact that Richard was spending so much time in London working on his singing career, and so little time with her.

A source told the News of the World: “She is completely devastated by the split with Richard. With him being absorbed in his music career in London, she felt she had no option but to end things.

“She is heartbroken but trying to be strong. Her friends and family are all rallying round her.”

An Emmerdale spokesman said: “We can confirm Roxanne is no longer dating Richard due to manic work schedules and the long distance involved.”