Stephenson and Walsh stick by partners

Debra Stephenson and Bradley Walsh have vowed to stick by their partners after days of speculation that they were having an affair.

Several reports since the weekend have indicated the Coronation Street stars had become close through the soap and begun a relationship. It was claimed that Debra's husband James Duffield had found intimate messages from Bradley on her mobile phone.

Days later, however, the duo, who play Frankie and Danny Baldwin, have both spoken out to insist they are sticking by their partners and deny any affair. Bradley described his wife Donna as the “most important thing in my life”, and added: "I would do nothing to harm or hurt her.”

Debra, who is pregnant with James's child, meanwhile maintained their relationship was “solid”. “I did not have an affair or fling," she added. "I love Bradley as a friend and nothing more. James is the love of my life. We are solid.”