Kym Marsh's solider boyfriend Scott Ratcliff has hit back after being accused of breaking lockdown restrictions to be with her.
Scott, 31, a major in the army Parachute Regiment, was delighted to be back in the arms of former Coronation Street actress Kym after being on tour in Afghanistan for the past seven months.
Sharing a photo of herself and Scott on Instagram Kym, 43, wrote: "Finally having a date night with my man!
"Seven months apart but it’s amazing to see how our relationship has grown despite the distance."
Sharing a photo of the loved-up couple, the actress told her followers: "In these difficult times make time for each other. Grab the dinner or a drink together.
"Love each other. Appreciate each other.
"Let’s all do these things and we will all emerge stronger. Xx."
But the couple were met with a suggestion from one follower that they had broken social distancing rules by reuniting.
They were asked "Not isolating separate then (sic)."
Using Kym's account Scott replied to the critic to say he been through COVID-19 screening before returning home.
He wrote: "Absolutely not. Are you? I (Scott) quarantined on camp for seven weeks before returning to the UK, then went through COVID screening before coming home."
Smitten Kym has been dating Scott since July 2018.
They were introduced by her former Corrie co-star Antony Cotton, who plays Sean Tully, after her split from personal trainer Matt Baker.
She and Scott chatted on the phone first because he was away working before meeting up in person.
In January the ex Coronation Street favourite, whose character Michelle Connor left the famous cobbles at Christmas, shared her joy at being back in Scott's arms, but only for a short while before he returned to his duties.
"What on earth is wrong with people saying such rude things?!" asked one follower.
"Scott thank you so much for your service. I hope you both enjoy your time together and stay safe!"
"What’s wrong with all you haters!" asked another.
"With what’s going on in the world you want to slate and bring people down, so sad to see this."
"Scott thank you for everything you and the army do. Stay safe and have fun xx" wrote another follower.
After receiving a flood of support Kym replied o one follower: "Ah thank you so much for your kindness! Some people are so nasty sometimes."
