Shayne Ward steps out with his new Hollyoaks girlfriend Sophie Austin at Corrie co-star Paula Lane’s leaving party
As the cast say goodbye to Coronation Street’s Kylie Platt, the X Factor winner shows off his latest love
CORRIE hunk Shayne Ward will be breaking fans hearts as he finally steps out with his new Hollyoaks girlfriend.
The X Factor winner has been dating Sophie Austin since March, but this is the first time the couple have been pictured together.
The pair were snapped as they went to say goodbye to his Coronation Street co-star Paula Lane at her leaving party.
Even though Shayne, 31, and Sophie, 32, have only been dating a few months, they have already been rocked by split rumours.
In May the pair were forced to defend their relationship after it was reported they went their separate ways after Sophie wanted to focus on her career.
But confused by the news Shayne immediately shared a tweet where he said: “It's news to us”.
Another reason they may not have been pictured together before is because of the recent breakdown of Sophie's marriage to Graeme Rooney .
The actress married actor Graeme last July, but by the end of the year it was over.
Sophie released a statement at the time saying: “Very sadly, my husband and I separated a little while ago.
“The breakdown of any long-term relationship is always difficult and this is no exception.”
She quickly moved on with Shayne and their relationship was confirmed in March with a representative for the Corrie star stating: “Yes, the friendship between the pair has progressed after Sophie split with her partner, however it's all still early days to comment further.”
A source “close to the couple” told the The Mirror: ‘It was only after her marriage was definitely over they became anything more than just friends.’
The added: “They went on a couple of dates after catching up through mutual friends. They’ve kept it low key so far.
“But they’ve decided things are getting more serious, so don’t be surprised if you start seeing them together more often.”
Meanwhile, the cast of Corrie joined Shayne and Sophie at Paula’s party.
The actress, who plays troubled Kylie Platt, is leaving the hit soap after 6 years.
Co-stars including Catherine Tydlesley, Anthony Cotton and Ton O’Brien all helped give her a good send off.
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