Kym Marsh has spoken out for the first time about her split from boyfriend Matt Baker.
The Coronation Street actress’ spokesperson confirmed over the weekend that Kym, 41, and Matt, 27, have amicably parted ways, which came as a shock to fans as the couple had just bought a house together.
And now Kym has had her say.
Writing in her OK! magazine column, she said: “We still care for each other, we’ll stay friends and I’m sure we’ll be a part of each other’s lives in the future.
“Now we each just want to focus on our families, our work and our friends as we move forward.”
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Kym, who plays Michelle Connor in Corrie, and personal trainer Matt – who has just bought a restaurant – had been dating since 2015.
Prior to their split, she had frequently praised Matt in interviews and spoken about how happy they were.
They even bought a country home together in February, with Kym saying they wanted to “start afresh” in their own place, after previously renting.
Kym has been married twice before: to former EastEnders actor Jack Ryder between 2002 and 2009, and to ex Hollyoaks star Jamie Lomas from 2012 to 2014.
She has two grown up children, David and Emilie, from her relationship with ex Dave Cunliffe, and daughter Polly, seven, with ex-husband Jamie Lomas.
Kym and Jamie’s son Archie tragically died just moments after his birth in 2009.
She had said publicly she was “not closed off” to the idea of walking down the aisle for a third time, but she and Matt were in no hurry to rush down the aisle.
In a 2016 interview with OK! magazine, Kym had said: “You really don’t know what the future holds but I’m so chilled about everything, so I feel happier than ever, really.”
She added of Matt: “In the past, I’ve made the mistake of rushing into relationships, but neither of us has put any pressure on this relationship and I’m happier because of it.
“He’s wonderful – I’m very lucky.”
A spokesperson for the soap star confirmed to The Sun: “Sadly, we can confirm Kym and Matt have made the decision to take some time apart but remain friends.”
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