Rachel Stevens first shot to fame with teen band S Club 7

The couple have ended their three-year relationship because "sometimes things just don't work out", a statement from her management company said.

Stevens, 25, and former Holby City and Hollyoaks actor Edwards, 32, said they remained "great friends" despite both being "very sad" about the split.

A spokeswoman for 19 Entertainment denied Stevens' recent success as a solo artist was behind the break-up.

We know that our decision is the right one Rachel Stevens and Jeremy Edwards

She said the couple had tried to "work it out" and that the break-up had been amicable.

In a joint statement, the pair said: "Sometimes things just don't work out no matter how hard you try.

"We still care for each other and are great friends and although it is very sad, we know that our decision is the right one."

Solo career

Back in August, the couple issued a statement asking the press for breathing space because they were going through a rocky patch.

Jeremy Edwards quit Holby City to develop his career

Stevens launched a solo career with pop mogul Simon Fuller after S Club split up last April.

Her debut single Sweet Dreams My LA Ex was a number two hit.

The former model, who began her pop career with S Club in 1999, is a favourite of the tabloid press and was voted the sexiest woman in Britain by a men's magazine.

Edwards made his name in BBC One hospital drama Holby City, but quit last year to develop his career.