Claire Sweeney has split from her long-term partner Tony Hibbard after six years.

Hibbard has moved out of the central London home that he shared with the TV personality and former Brookside actress.

Friends have revealed that the couple decided to break up following a series of rows.

A source told the Sunday Mirror: "It's been really hard for them both, but it's for the best. They've tried to make things work, but just need some space from each other."

Claire and Tony met after being introduced by Sweeney's neighbour. In one interview, she revealed: "I knew pretty quickly after meeting him that he was important."