Hollyoaks star Jessica Ellis ‘SPLITS’ from fiancé Michael Shaw two years after getting engaged
Former Hollyoaks actress Jessica Ellis has reportedly split from her partner Michael Shaw.
The couple, who have been together for five years, are said to have called an end to things after realising ‘marriage really wasn’t going to work.’
Jessica, 36, has since removed all traces of Michael from social media and is vowing to make a ‘fresh start’.
The sad news comes nearly two months to the day that the pair got engaged in May 2021.
A source told The Sun: ‘Jessica has quietly split from Matt after they decided marriage really wasn’t going to work.’
Happy news: Hollyoaks star Jessica Ellis has split from her fiancé Michael Shaw two years after getting engaged (pictured together on their engagement day)
The insider continued: ‘She’s already moving on and is looking for love with the help of her friend Kimberly Hart-Simpson.
‘She’s removed all trace of Matt from social media and is really looking for a fresh start.’
MailOnline has contacted Jessica’s representatives for comment.
Jessica – who played Tegan Lomax in the Channel 4 soap from 2013 to 2018 – revealed in 2021 that her boyfriend popped the question while enjoying a romantic date at a swanky rooftop bar in London.
Sharing the happy news she wrote on Instagram: ‘Well yesterday was a bit of alright thanks to my fiancé @mtshaw91’.
Alongside the caption she posted a sweet picture of her with Michael as she excitedly pointed at the pretty ring on her finger while he beamed beside her.
In another picture the couple posed for a selfie as Jessica showed off the ring, before sharing another snap of the piece of jewellery close up to show off its colourful design.
Meanwhile sharing the same snap, Michael wrote on his Instagram: ‘She said YES!’
Moving on with her life: Jessica, 36, has since removed all traces of Michael from social media and is vowing to make a ‘fresh start’
Supportive: Jessica is said to be leaning on former co-star Kimberly Hart Simpson for support after the split
Following the proposal, Jessica’s former Hollyoaks co-stars and real-life couple Daisy Wood-Davis and Luke Jerdy – who are also engaged – joined the pair to celebrate.
The two couples enjoyed champagne at the rooftop bar and shared snaps posing together after the proposal.
Daisy – who played Kim Butterfield in the Channel 4 soap from 2014 to 2018 – wrote on her Instagram: ‘Had the most special day yesterday, surprising our best friend after her proposal!!! CONGRATULATIONS @jellis1987 & @mtshaw91!!
‘Is there anything better than seeing your friends SO happy?! I can’t wait for the most wild, crazy, unique, hilarious and special wedding we’ve got in store for us here (trust me, the initial plans made a woman on the table next to us interrupt to ask if she could be invited).
‘Wishing a lifetime of happiness, trips to Wales, visits to Flamingoland and boozy nights (all with Bob & Rita in tow) to the MR & MRS ELLIS / SHAW to be!! Love you sooooo much! (sic)’
Jess admitted Daisy’s heartfelt post made her emotional.
She commented: ‘I’m crying!!!! Thanks for the best day EVER!’
Several other soap stars congratulated the happy couple on their engagement news.
Jennifer Metcalfe who played Mercedes McQueen wrote: ‘Congratulations. your ring is beautiful.’
Amanda Clapham who starred as Holly Cunningham shared: ‘Congratulations !! Beautiful ring xXx.’
Ross Adams – who played Scott Drinkwell – posted: ‘AWWWW MASSIVE CONGRATS to both of you. Lovely news.’
Jessica left Hollyoaks in 2018 and revealed at the time that she had to keep her shock exit a secret for six months.
Her character Tegan was crushed by a falling tree after a storm and ended up in hospital.
Pals: When Jessica and Michael got engaged her former Hollyoaks co-stars and real-life couple Daisy Wood-Davis and Luke Jerdy – who are also engaged – joined the pair to celebrate
Sad: Jessica left Hollyoaks in 2018 after her character Tegan was crushed by a falling tree after a storm and ended up in hospital
