Faye Brookes, who first joined Coronation Street back in 2015, said she and Gareth Gates were “taking some time apart” after a number of years together.

The 31-year-old revealed the shock news in view of 70,000 Twitter followers, while the Pop Idol runner-up, 34, told his 96,000 fans.

The former couple shared identical posts on the micro-blogging site today after last being pictured together in June.

The Kate Connor favourite wrote: “Unfortunately @Gareth_Gates and I are choosing to take some time apart.

“We remain the very best of friends. We’d like to Thank you for all your support over the years x.”

It is thought Faye and Gareth have been dating for around six years after first meeting when they starred in the stage version of Legally Blonde.

Earlier this year, the brunette beauty spoke of marriage and children, saying she was “so lucky” to have met him.

“I talk about it all the time but Gareth loves to surprise me. He goes big or goes home,” she told The Sun.

“I want children, I’m naturally a carer… I love to laugh, and he makes me laugh so much.

“Actually, he gave me my laugh back, and now I smile and grin all the time, no matter where I am or who I’m with because I’m naturally content. He’s given me that,” she went on.

However, back in March, Kate revealed why she wouldn’t be settling down just yet.

When asked about possible wedding plans, speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, she stated: “I am so focused with my massive storyline right now, with work and everything that Coronation Street are throwing at me.

“Gareth respects that my head is in my career right now and that’s all I can focus on.”

Kate previously explained how Gareth’s stammer faded after they started their romance.

In an interview with Fabulous Magazine, she said: “We were already so connected, and I knew he had my back and could open up to me.

“I have a very strong work ethic and take it very seriously, but he was the one who kind of took me out of my shell, shook me up and made me have fun.”

Kate was soon inundated with replies to her message, with her co-star Bhavna Limbachia being one of the first to respond.

The actress, who plays her on-off girlfriend Rana Nazir, shared three red hearts to her and Gareth.

“Sorry to hear that Faye. It’s great that you can stay friends and as long as you are both happy that’s what matters. Just know that I and the rest of your fans are always here to love and support you,” one user’s post read.

Coronation Street continues tonight at 7.30pm on ITV.