'Hollyoaks' star linked to David James

Hollyoaks star Claire Cooper has been caught up in a love triangle with footballer David James and his long-term girlfriend, according to a report.

The 28-year-old actress, who plays Jacqui McQueen on the Channel 4 soap, is believed to have spent four days at the England goalkeeper's family home in Southampton amid rumours that he had split from Amanda Salmon, his partner of six years.

Cooper was allegedly introduced to James's four children on July 9 - before heading out to dinner with the family a day later.

A source told the Sunday Mirror: "David is a doting dad, so introducing Claire to his kids was a very big thing and proves just how highly he thinks of her.

"A lot of people around David have been aware he has been seeing a lot of Claire - and they have not been trying to hide the fact they have been together."

In a further twist, James was spotted back with his 37-year-old lover Salmon yesterday - though the status of their relationship remained unclear.

Speaking to the newspaper about Cooper, the soccer star insisted: "There's nothing at all going on. She's been down, but she's a friend of mine. That's all there is to it."

Meanwhile, the soap actress said: "You can print what you like but I wasn't there, so I don't know who he was with but it wasn't me. I am single and that is the truth. I am not dating him."