Strictly stars Bobby Brazier and Ellie Leach split after realising why their romance wouldn’t work after live tour

STRICTLY finalists Bobby Brazier and Ellie Leach have ended their whirlwind romance.

The soap stars called time on their relationship as their lives are going in different directions.

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Ellie Leach was seen enjoying a birthday lunch with her friends without Bobby[/caption]

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They began dating after the last series ended in December and both went on the BBC show’s spin-off arena tour from January to February.

But Bobby, 20, is heading back to EastEnders before exploring a potential career in Hollywood.

And Ellie, 23 is currently on a tour of provincial theatres in the Cluedo stage production.

A TV insider said: “Love blossomed between them when they were in close quarters on the tour, but once that ended they both spent much less time together.

“That gave them space to think about the future, which is likely to take them in very different directions over the coming year or two.

“So they decided the best thing to do was quit while they were ahead and while they were still pals, because they both really cherish the friendship they have.”

Bobby, who was partnered on Strictly with Diane Buswell, was the runner up to Ellie, who took home the dance contest’s coveted Glitterball trophy after winning with her pro partner Vito Coppola, 31.

Bobby will soon return to EastEnders to resume his role as Freddie Slater and fulfil the remaining term of his contract with the BBC soap.

Ellie is unlikely to be resuming her role on Coronation Street as Fay Windass as she was axed last year.