A household name soap star has been left 'heartbroken' after his girlfriend's children were taken away from her by social services.
According to The Sun, the middle-aged celebrity – who cannot be named for legal reasons – is comforting his partner after the kids were taken away following an accident involving one of the children at the mother's home.
It is believed that a number of other issues then came to light during their investigation.
The Sun reported a source as saying: "They are both gutted. They are very happy together and the children are only young.
"It has put a black cloud over the relationship and they are really struggling.
"He is trying to comfort her as much as possible - he won't let go of her hand. They are both heartbroken over it.
"She can't sleep at night so she has pretty much moved into his house so that he can be there for her while she is going through all of this."
The source said social services had taken the children about a week ago. They are not expected to be returned for at least six months.
"I am not sure why they have taken the children", the unnamed source told the newspaper.
"You just don't know what happens behind closed doors do you? I don't know what kind of mum she is.
"The social workers have said that she may be able to get the children back but that they have been taken away for at least six months.
"I think that the couple just want to get on with things now and get the kids back with their mum, so that is their main focus."