'Oaks star 'refused to leave UK for lover'

Hollyoaks star Jennifer Metcalfe split from her footballer boyfriend Jermaine Pennant after refusing to live abroad with him, it has been claimed today.

The 25-year-old actress, who plays Mercedes McQueen in the Channel 4 soap, decided to remain in the UK after Pennant secured a move from Liverpool FC to Real Zaragoza in Spain.

Metcalfe confirmed that they were no longer an item last month and admitted that she had already started dating a new man.

A source told The Mirror: "It was a heartbreaking decision for both of them as they were totally loved-up. But moving to another country was a big deal for her.

"Jermaine wants to concentrate on his football more than ever to take his mind off it."

Metcalfe has previously claimed that the break-up was for the best as she behaved foolishly throughout their romance.

She revealed last month: "We were like best mates together. He's a great guy and we still chat. We get on so well as friends. But as a couple we never got anything done. We were just like idiots."