'Stephanie Davis and her boyfriend were besotted by each other - I never expected they'd split'

As they say, we can never really know what goes on behind closed doors - and nobody can truly understand another person’s relationship unless they’re in it.

Yet I was shocked, then totally heartbroken for Stephanie Davis when I read the painful announcement on her Instagram stories on Sunday that she had split from her boyfriend Joe McKalroy after welcoming their first child, Samuel, together just four months ago.

Having seen them so loved-up together just last August, I never expected this.

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I interviewed Stephanie and Joe then for an exclusive OK! Shoot - and what I witnessed between them that day was heartwarming.

I came away feeling so happy for the actress and singer, convinced that she’d found The One and that life was finally giving her the happiness and security she so deserved.

Stephanie - though she had struggled with sickness during her pregnancy following a holiday abroad, was glowing - she was evidently looking forward to extending her little family with Joe, and he could not have seemed happier, either.

Throughout the interview, Joe - who the actress had been dating since 2022 - couldn’t have been more attentive as the couple opened up on their excitement at welcoming a baby together, a little brother for Steph’s son Caben, 7, from her turbulent relationship with ex Jeremy McConnell.

The couple beamed at each other as they opened up to me about their relationship being ‘fate’ after they met during a low point for both of them in therapy - and about wanting to get married - there was no hint that this wasn't forever.

Stephanie told me, “I was still working on myself and going through a very bad time from the trauma of the past few years, and we met at a therapy session. Joe sadly lost his brother to suicide during lockdown, he was only 20. I think we met at quite a low point, and I kind of put the light back in his life, and he put the light back in mine.

“Together we both blossomed and created a beautiful life together. Couples normally go through the hard times later on, but we met each other when we hadn’t much to offer to be honest. We were in a really low place, and we met each other at our worst. We met going through the hardest times and helped each other through that and made each other happy. I really think it was fate.”

The mood that day was contentment and love. I remember Joe would on occasions come over just to give Steph a peck on the cheek, or hold her hand as we chatted. It was clear that they were besotted.

And his devotion on set to Steph's little boy Caben seemed clear, too. As mum got her make-up done, Joe was sitting chatting to Caben, and making sure he was entertained while mum was busy. They had an obvious, sweet bond and he seemed every inch the dedicated stepdad.

Indeed, Steph told me fondly, “They’re like twins – their bond is so special, It’s beautiful to watch. Joe will be the same with the baby. He’s selfless, he’s always shown up.”

Stephanie had been through so much in life already, it was lovely to see her finally get what seemed to be her happy ever after. Fairytale ending? Tick.

I don’t know what has happened - nobody but the people involved truly do and I would never speculate. But as someone who has admired the former Corrie actress’s strength from afar, despite what life throws at her, I am devastated for her.

Moving forward as a single mum, especially with one so little, is not going to be easy. But what I also know is that Stephanie is a wonderful mother who adores those boys - and she has the loving support of friends and family.

I am convinced that Stephanie will not only survive this shock and move on, but in time, thrive with her beautiful boys.

It’s just deeply unfair that someone who had clearly given her heart again after being burned so badly has to climb another huge mountain during what should be the happiest time of her life - enjoying the baby bubble as a blended family of four.

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