Ronnie O’Sullivan has officially broken up with partner Laila Rouass, ending their 13-year relationship. The Eastenders actress confirmed the split in an emotional Instagram post.

Rouass, 53, said she felt "hurt, pain and anger" but now feels "so much better, stronger and sexier". She wrote: "Break ups can strip you down to your essence. I got through mine by using pain as fuel to take control because no matter what, we will lose parts of ourselves in relationships. It's normal, don't beat yourself up.

"I've gone through various emotions...hurt, pain, anger but what I've realised about anger is that it's bottomless. It can go on and on and once you're in that black hole...it's very hard to drag yourself back out.”

"Anyone going through a break up....I want to tell you that you will come out the other side. I have and I feel so much better, stronger and sexier. Life has a funny way of throwing in a plot twist here and there. I've ever met an Arab Viking...like...how did that happen?"

She added: "Just roll with the punches because life is so much richer, so much fuller when you drop the anger, the resentment and the regret. I'm looking back at my last relationship with a smile and wave, because time moves on and I don't like to play catch up."

O’Sullivan had been due to take part in this week’s Scottish Open in Edinburgh, only to withdrawn shortly before his first round match. The seven-time world champion, who has pulled out of numerous tournaments this season, is due to be in action in Saudi Arabia at the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship next week.

The Rocket has a snooker academy in the Saudi capital. It remains to be seen if he will play in the three-day tournament which begins on Wednesday, December 18.

It was rumoured in September that the couple had ended their relationship. At the time, a source told The Sun: "They have been going in different directions.

"Laila's focus has reportedly been on her acting career. Despite the love they share, they've acknowledged their paths are diverging and have accepted that it's over. They've tried so hard but they just can't make it work."

Since first getting together in 2011, the couple have been on-off over the years, breaking up briefly in 2022 before getting back together. O'Sullivan said at the time: "She's great. I love her. She's great company and I love being around her."