Bodyguard star Richard Madden has ‘split’ from girlfriend Ellie Bamber after an 18 month relationship.
The break-up is thought to have been prompted by 21-year-old Bamber, who reportedly feared that the couple’s lives were “becoming worlds apart.”
The actress, who is currently starring in the BBC’s adaptation of Les Miserables, was noticeably absent last week as 32-year-old Madden received the Best Actor in a Drama TV Series award at the Golden Globes for his memorable turn in hit BBC thriller Bodyguard.
Madden also arrived on the red carpet alone at the Critics’ Choice Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night.
“They’re both absolutely gutted but it was a decision made for the best,” a source told The Sun.
“They were arguing almost daily towards the end and, despite considering couples’ therapy, it became evident there were far too many issues that could not be fixed.”
The source went on to tell the paper that while Bamber “wants to focus purely on her work,” Madden “wants to let his hair down” following his recent career successes, meaning that the pair’s lives “were increasingly becoming worlds apart.”
“They were pretty inseparable from the day they met – and their friends and family had all merged – so obviously everyone around them is gutted too,” the source continued. “But both Ellie and Richard hope to remain friends.”
Madden was previously in a three-year relationship with Victoria star Jenna Coleman, until the pair parted ways in 2015. He has since been linked to model Suki Waterhouse and TV presenters Laura Whitmore and Caroline Flack.
Standard Online has contacted representatives for Madden and Bamber for comment.
