Maria Fowler splits from Mick Norcross

The Only Way Is Essex's Maria Fowler has been dumped by Mick Norcross amid reports she previously worked as a high-class escort.

"He did it as the claims came out that Maria worked as an escort and was saying to pals he didn't want to be associated with her."

Working for exclusive escort agency Carltons of London from 2009 until last year using the secret moniker Kelly, Maria reportedly earned up to £600 an hour to travel the world entertaining "mega-rich" bankers, lawyers and sheikhs and was described as the "perfect package".

Her profile on the agency's website boasted: "If you are looking for perfection, perfect body, youthful energy, stunning looks, Kelly is a sweet young lady who will breathe new passion into your life.

"Wherever she goes, heads turn. She can adapt to any high-class environment. The perfect package, Kelly is the perfect companion and provides very discreet, sensual and professional escort service."

However, Maria - who formerly worked as a lapdancer and stripper when she first moved from Derby to London - insists she never had sex with any of her clients, and signed up to the company thinking she would be undertaking "promotional work".

She said: "This has ruined my life - my whole world is a mess. When I heard what was going to be printed, I felt suicidal."