Newly single Chantelle Houghton speaks out about the violent domestic with Alex Reid

Chantelle Houghton has opened up about her split with Alex Reid following his arrest in their Essex home last week.

The 29-year-old star decided to dump her cage-fighting fiancé after a violent bust-up at their home last week in Brentwood, Essex.

Chantelle said she is devastated about the troubled relationship coming to an end.

Writing in her new! magazine column, Chantelle revealed: "It's true that I ended my relationship with Alex last week. As you know, things have been difficult for a while and I tried my very best to make it work.

"I'm really hurting. I'm sure people are aware that there was an incident at my home in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

"Our front door is always locked at night and, yes, the police were called and Alex was arrested.

"But that's all I really want to say at the moment. Thanks for all your messages of support."

On Twitter, Chantelle announced "Unfortunately I have had no option but to end my relationship with Alex" on 7 September.

The former 'Celebrity Big Brother' winner is taking comfort in her special relationship with her 11-week-old daughter Dolly, who likes nothing more than a cuddle.

Chantelle said: "I took Dolly to her first birthday party last Thursday... There were loads of toddlers tearing around while she was being passed around having loads of cuddles.

"She's really good like that and will go to anyone for a cuddle, but she keeps her eyes on me the whole time."