Coronation Street actors Alan Halsall and Lucy-Jo Hudson split

Coronation Street actors Alan Halsall and Lucy-Jo Hudson have separated after seven years of marriage.

The pair started dating in 2005 after meeting on the ITV soap where Halsall played Tyrone Dobbs and Hudson starred as Katy Harris.

The couple married in 2009.

They announced their separation in a joint statement on Monday, saying they have shared "many wonderful years together".

"Lucy-Jo Hudson and Alan Halsall are sad to announce that they have separated," the statement said.

"They have shared many wonderful years together and will remain close friends.

"They ask for privacy at this emotional time, to allow both to focus on their beautiful daughter Sienna-Rae, to ensure her continued happiness."

Hudson and Halsall welcomed daughter Sienna-Rae in 2013 and spoke about their happy family in a glossy magazine shoot last year.

Hudson left Coronation Street in 2005, but Halsall continues to play Dobbs, a role he has had since 1998.