Strictly all over for Ali and Brian

Last updated at 7:45 AM on 7th October 2010

They fell in love on our television screens in last year’s Strictly Come Dancing. But alas, I learn that the magic has faded for ­stunning actress Ali ­Bastian and professional dancer Brian Fortuna.

‘The love affair is sadly all over,’ I am told by a close friend of the pair. ‘But Brian and Ali remain amicable and will ­continue to be friends.’

Split: Friends of Ali Bastian say her relationship with professional dancer Brian Fortuna is over

Strictly business: The pair met while competing together on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing

Former Hollyoaks star Ali, 28, was last week overheard telling ­girlfriends at The Red Room club in Mayfair that while she was sad to lose Brian, they both realised the relationship had fizzled out.

Having never danced professionally, Ali — who finished as a semi-­finalist on Strictly — was so enthralled by ­Brian’s profession that this ­summer she appeared with him in Burn The Floor, a ­sizzling West End dance show, for two-and-a-half months.

Adds the pal: ‘She is off soon to a luxury retreat on Jamaica with some friends to mend her broken heart.’

Happier times: Brian was there for Ali when she hurt her foot in rehearsals for the popular show