TOWIE star splits from famous girlfriend despite engagement rumours — whirlwind romance ends abruptly as couple delete all traces of each other from Instagram following ‘difficult’ long-distance struggle - suong

Former TOWIE cast member Ricky Rayment hit the headlines for the first time in a while last year when he went public with Coronation Street star Katie McGlynn after they met on a cruise and embarked on a whirlwind romance.

They made their relationship Instagram official on Valentine’s Day 2024 and seemed super loved up, even sparking engagement rumours when Katie was spotted with a huge sparkler on her hand, but they’ve now reportedly called time on things and deleted all trace of their romance from their Instagram accounts.

According to reports, the pair found it ‘difficult’ to make their long distance relationship work as Katie is based in Manchester while Ricky lives in Essex.

Ricky has reportedly split from Katie ©Kate Green/Getty Images

‘Katie and Ricky have ended their romance, they're still friends and want to remain civil but in terms of a romantic relationship, it's definitely over,’ a source told MailOnline.

‘It was difficult at times for them dating even though they lived miles apart from each other but ultimately it just wasn't meant to be.’

Ricky and Katie’s representatives have been contacted for comment.

Katie is still said to be on good terms with Ricky ©Mike Marsland/WireImage

The pair had been dating for four months before lifting the lid on their relationship last year in their first interview as a couple.

Speaking about her first impression of Ricky, Katie revealed, ‘I recognised his face and just assumed he wasn't going to be my type of person - you know, Jack, the lad from Essex - and I took it for granted we wouldn't get on...happy to say I got that one wrong.'

Ricky previously dated Jess Wright ©ITV

Lifting the lid on the first time they met each other onboard a cruise ship, Ricky told OK!, ‘I saw Katie on board and thought “wow”. I first became aware of her years ago, when she was doing those incredible final scenes in Corrie when her character had cancer. I thought then she was amazing. I followed her on Twitter but I never had the courage to post or message her and then four years on there she was!’

Prior to his relationship for Katie, Ricky was in a relationship with Jess Wright during their time on TOWIE together. He was also briefly engaged to Geordie Shore’s Marnie Simpson.